The 2006 Nitschke Block Shiraz was aged in neutral French oak for 20 months. Opaque purple-colored, it exhibits a classic bouquet of smoke, mineral, bacon, blueberry, and black cherry. Fat and sweet on the palate, this opulent, layered effort has tons of flavor, great depth, and a fruit-filled finish. This hedonistic Shiraz will be at its best from 2010 to 2020. Jason Schwarz’ first vintage was 2002; the wine produced from his father’s 100+ acres of dry-grown vines in Barossa.Importer: Kysela Pere & Fils, Winchester, VA; tel. (540) 722-9228

Saturated ruby. Seductive raspberry, cassis and mulberry scents, complicated by cracked pepper and incense. Deeply concentrated, pure red and dark berry flavors are joined by sweet cola and Asian spices, with supple tannins adding gentle grip. Extremely seductive wine, with outstanding finishing clarity and thrust. This refuses to let up.