A superb effort is the 1998 Shiraz Lloyd Reserve. Although big, fat, brawny, and muscular, it reveals polish and refinement for its size. An opaque purple color is accompanied by tell-tale blackberry liqueur intermixed with spicy oak (both American and French), low acidity, abundant glycerin, and a chewy, concentrated, long finish. Anticipated maturity: now-2015.Importer: Franklin Selections, Appellation Imports, Annapolis Junction, MD; tel (301) 604-3041

Packs dark berry, spice and toasty oak character into a dense package, chewy with fine tannins, but aromatic and effusively flavorful through the long finish. Best from 2003 through 2013. 100 cases imported.??–HS??Region: Australia / McLaren Vale Select to Add