The outstanding 2004 Shiraz Bremerview Vineyard is a fabulous buy, offering classic Shiraz characteristics of blackberries, tar, and white flowers. Aged in neutral 300 liter American oak hogsheads for 12 months, it possesses abundant fruit, glycerin, alcohol (14.5%), and texture along with a hint of earth. Importer: Ken Onish & John Gorman, Southern Starz, Huntington Beach, CA; tel. (714) 892-3030

After spending 15 months in American oak, this wine shows plenty of vanilla and maple syrup shadings alongside cola, earth and leathery notes. It's pleasantly full-bodied, with soft tannins, but also a rather tart, tangy finish. Drink now.——J.C.(11/1/2008)—— 87