The 2005 Shiraz/Viognier (92% and 8% respectively) was aged 14 months in primarily new French oak. It exhibits an attractive pain grille character intermixed with blackberries, camphor, violets, and bacon fat. This dense ruby/purple-hued, full-bodied, opulent, rich, fleshy wine should drink well for 8-10 years. Importer: Peter Click, Click Wine Group, Seattle, WA; tel. (800) 859-0689

The 2005 Shiraz was aged in a mix of 25% new French and American oak. Opaque purple, it presents aromas of smoke, cedar, tar, grilled bacon, and blueberry. Full-bodied, the wine delivers gobs of youthful ripe fruit flavors modulated by excellent balance and enough structure to carry this wine for 5-7 years in the cellar. Drink it through 2025 accompanied by osso bucco or a dry-aged prime rib-eye. Kangarilla Road, over the past several vintages, has established a track record of turning out high-quality South Australian wines at consumerfriendlyprices. Founded in 1997 by Kevin and Helen O’Brien, andlocated 22 miles south of Adelaide, the estate consists of 30 acres and Kevin O’Brien is winemaker.The Kangarilla Road portfolio contains two Zinfandels, a relative rarity in South Australia.Importer: Click Wine Group, Seattle, WA; www.kangarillaroad.com.au

Firm in texture, with a nice beam of dark berry and cherry flavors at the core, hinting at cinnamon and cedar around the edges. Finishes with persistence. Drink now through 2012. 6,000 cases imported.??–HS??Region: Australia / McLaren Vale Select to Add

An enjoyable ?Shiraz that doesn’t try to do too much, this is a straightforward offering marked by clean blackberry-preserve fruit and touches of vanilla.——J.C.(3/1/2008)—— 86