A large-scaled effort is the 1998 Shiraz "Black Guts." Deep purple in color, with a smoky, creosote/asphalt, blackberry, and cassis-scented bouquet, this ripe, full-bodied Shiraz boasts super fruit, notions of new oak (it was aged for 30 months in a combination of new and old French wood), and plenty of glycerin and length in the long finish. In spite of its size, the wine actually comes across as elegant, particularly for such mass and intensity. It should drink well for up to a decade. Only 115 cases were produced. Importer: Dan Philips, The Grateful Palate, Oxnard, CA; tel. (888) 472-5283