Deep garnet-purple, the 2009 Covenant Shiraz displays intense notes of blackberry and black cherry preserves with hints of blueberry pie filling, cinnamon and anise plus a whiff of pepper. Full bodied and richly fruited, it has very crisp acidity and a medium to firm level of grainy tannins, finishing long with lingering notes of anise and dried mulberries. Drinking now, it should cellar to 2020+. Importer: Old Bridge Cellars, Napa, CA; www.oldbridgecellars.com

Crisp in texture, not tart, but offering fine tannins around nicely modulated currant and plum fruit. Hints at mocha as the finish lingers. Drink now through 2017. 200 cases imported.??–HS??Region: Australia / Clare Valley Select to Add