The 2005 Shiraz Covenant is deep garnet and brick in color and opens with savory aromas of meat, spice and dried plums followed by a touch of menthol. It is quite gamey and meaty on the palate with a good primary core of fruit that is evolving nicely in the mouth. This big and full-bodied wine is overall harmonious with crisp acid and medium levels of velvety tannins balancing a long and voluptuous finish. Drink it now to 2018+. Importer: Old Bridge Cellars, Napa, CA; www.oldbridgecellars.com

The 2005 Shiraz “Covenant” from the Clare Valley was aged for 22 months in French and American oak hogsheads, 30% new, and bottled unfined and unfiltered. It exhibits cooler climate hints of mint and menthol, as well as mineral, pencil lead, blueberry, and blackberry liqueur. Elegantly styled, with excellent depth and concentration, it will evolve for 3-4 years, and drink well through 2020. Kilikanoon’s winemaker is the talented Kevin Mitchell. The house specialty is Shiraz but Mitchell does equally well with Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Grenache.Importers: Peter Weygandt, Weygandt-Metzler, Unionville, PA; tel. (610) 486-0800; Michael Opdahl, Joshua Tree Imports, Duarte, CA; Tel: (626) 358-6600

Has impressive concentration without getting heavy or dense, offering sleek cherry, blackberry, berry leaf and mineral flavors that keep swirling through the long, focused finish. The tannins are well-submerged. Best from 2010 through 2017. 500 cases imported.??–HS??Region: Australia / Clare Valley Select to Add

Like all of winemaker Kevin Mitchell’s Shirazes, this is full-bodied and lushly textured. The point of difference here is the fruit character, which leans toward black olives and espresso, with just enough stewed fruit to provide cushioning. Finishes long and velvety, hinting at vanilla. Drink now–2012. ——J.C.(8/1/2009)—— 92