Rick Burge's 2000 Old Vines Grenache, a 250-case cuvee made from 70-80-year old vines, was aged in old oak prior to bottling. This dark ruby/purple-colored 2000 exhibits a classic bouquet of pepper and kirsch liqueur, outstanding extract, and sweet, cherry jam-like flavors. Its perfume, texture, and pure fruit are reminiscent of a Rayas Chateauneuf du Pape. Drink this killer red over the next 5-7 years. Rick Burge, whom I visited on my trip to Barossa last year, manages to keep prices in check for his sumptuous wines, which offer extraordinarily pure fruit, and the warmth and intensity of the Barossa. Readers should not confuse these wines with those from Barossa's Grant Burge. The latter offerings are competent but commercial, simple efforts.Importer: Dan Philips, The Grateful Palate, Oxnard, CA; tel. (888) 472-5283

The 2000 Olive Hill, a proprietary blend of Grenache (21%), Shiraz (48%), and Mourvedre (31%), was aged in one-third new French oak. Like all the Burge Family wines, it reveals great fruit purity and texture. A big, earthy, peppery, black cherry and currant-scented bouquet is followed by a textured, rich, medium to full-bodied red with more spice, leather, and earthy components than are found in the flamboyantly fruity Grenache. It should drink well for a decade.Rick Burge, whom I visited on my trip to Barossa last year, manages to keep prices in check for his sumptuous wines, which offer extraordinarily pure fruit, and the warmth and intensity of the Barossa. Readers should not confuse these wines with those from Barossa's Grant Burge. The latter offerings are competent but commercial, simple efforts.Importer: Dan Philips, The Grateful Palate, Oxnard, CA; tel. (888) 472-5283