The 2006 Shiraz Vat 8 is dark ruby/purple-colored with a spice box and blueberry-accented bouquet. This tasty, straightforward wine has good grip and ample ripe fruit. Drink it over the next 1-2 years.The wines are discussed in the order in which they were presented by Stephen Webber, manager and winemaker of De Bortoli Wines.Importer: De Bortoli Wines USA, Hoboken, NJ; tel. (201) 714-9700

This easy-drinking Shiraz features some plummy—almost pruny—fruit aromas, facile plum and berry flavors, little tannin and bright acids on the finish.——J.C.(8/1/2008)—— 84