The 2004 Reserve Shiraz was barrel fermented. Purple-colored, it exhibits aromas of scorched earth, pencil lead, and blueberry. Made in a lean, elegant style, it has good depth and focus. Drink it over the next 6-8 years. Importer: American Estates Wines, Summit, NJ; tel. (908) 273-5060; Also tasted: 2006 Grenache-Shiraz (84), 2004 Shiraz (80)

Powerful and dramatic, but not a heavy wine by any means, offering sharply focused plum, blackberry, nutmeg and cedary oak gathering steam to zip through the fine-grained finish. Tempting now, but cellaring should add depth. Best from 2008 through 2016. 400 cases imported.??–HS??Region: Australia / McLaren Vale Select to Add