The star of this line-up is the 2004 Shiraz Hard Yards, a blend of 90% Shiraz and 10% Merlot aged in a combination of used American and French oak. An opaque ruby/purple color, a big, peppery, black currant, cassis, and earth-scented bouquet, and loads of fruit emerge from this tasty, up-front Shiraz. Enjoy it over the next 2-3 years. Importer: Ken Onish & John Gorman, Southern Starz, Huntington Beach, CA; tel. (714) 892-3030

Starts off with some mildly lactic notes on the nose, but also plenty of plum, herb and cola scents. Similar flavors dominate the palate, which is nicely creamy, buoyed by soft tannins, then finishes a little short and herbal. A decent effort.——J.C.(2/1/2007)—— 84