Deep ruby. Dense, ripe and powerful, with a brooding quality to the roasted cherry, blackberry and creme de cassis aromas; sexy vanilla and oak spice notes build with air. Luscious, rich and polished, the ripe dark berry flavors showing excellent depth and surprising energy. Walks the fine line between ripe and overblown. Finishes with harmonious tannins and lingering notes of sweet mocha and baking spices.

Grant Burge’s new Shiraz releases are looking very good, and more proof is in this mid-level bottling. It’s smooth and silky on the palate, with dried spice accents and seeped tea-like tannins. Its red plum and raspberry fruit is juicy now, but will hang on just fine for the next 5 or so years. Imported by Wilson Daniels Ltd. ——D.T.(2/1/2006)—— 90