The 2005 “Lloyd Reserve” Shiraz comes from a single vineyard that was planted in 1919. It was aged for 22 months in French oak. Opaque purple, it offers a splendid perfume of coffee, cocoa, damp earth, plum, blueberry, and blackberry. Full-bodied, sweet, and ripe, the wine has layers of fruit, terrific density and an opulent personality. Give it 6-8 years to evolve and drink it through 2030.Importer: Robert Whale Selections, Washington, DC; www.coriole .com Also tasted: 2006 Fiano (84), 2005 “Contour 4” Sangiovese – Shiraz (83), 2006 Sangiovese (84), 2003 “Lalla Rookh” Grenache- Shiraz (84), 2005 “Estate Grown” Cabernet Sauvignon (84), 2004 “Mary Kathleen Reserve” Merlot (80)

Ripe and spicy, this firm-textured red has a prickly bed of tannins that lies under round, expressive black cherry and raspberry fruit, shaded with hints of cedar and warm slate. Best from 2009 through 2015. 500 cases made, 50 cases imported.??–HS??Region: Australia / McLaren Vale Select to Add

Dark plum notes. Fine velvet texture. Dark, spicy plum jam fruit. Slightly dry tannins. Long finish.

Inky ruby. Deeply concentrated blackberry, cassis and candied plum aromas are complemented by brooding tobacco, espresso and incense. The wine's powerful, chewy dark fruit flavors are sweetened by sexy vanillin oak and mocha, with firm, youthful tannins adding structural support. This saturates the entire the palate, finishing with impressive sweetness, depth and persistence and gaining weight with air. Nowhere near ready to drink.

A dark and hearty McLaren Vale Shiraz, with plenty of weight and tannin and concentrated cola, black olive and leather flavors. Hints of mulberry, cedar and vanilla lighten it just enough, but this wine could use another few years before entering its prime drinking window. Finishes long and richly tannic. Drink 2010–2020.——J.C.(9/1/2008)—— 91