The top wine in this portfolio is the Stolen Block Shiraz, which is fashioned from 80+ year-old vines cropped at ? ton of fruit per acre. The dense ruby/purple-hued 2002 Shiraz Stolen Block (15.1% alcohol) boasts superb fruit as well as full-bodied opulence, and wonderful peppery, blackberry and cassis notes gently touched by surprisingly subtle American oak. This is a big, full-throttle, rich, heady Shiraz to drink now and over the next 7-8 years. Importer: Ken Onish & John Gorman, Southern Starz, Huntington Beach, CA; tel. (714) 892-3030

Polished, velvety style has intense red berry, blueberry and dark chocolate flavors that whoosh right through the long finish, balanced with a tart edge and a frame of sweet, creamy oak. Drink now through 2012. 200 cases imported.??–HS??Region: Australia / Clare Valley Select to Add

Although this is very good, it’s a bit of a disappointment compared to what this fine producer is capable of achieving. The bouquet is dark in overall tone and nearly impenetrable—with aeration the toasted, charcoal-like scents give way to hints of vanilla—while the flavors are surprisingly tart. Simple blackberry and boysenberry fruit flavors turn crisp and spicy on the finish. ——J.C.(6/1/2007)—— 88