The explosive richness and sweet American oak style of the 1996 Shiraz will have immense crowd appeal. The wine is low in acidity, with stunning layers of blackberry fruit intermixed with pepper and copious new wood. It is plump, round, and hedonistic. Drink it over the next 5-7 years. Elderton's wines are not for tasters seeking subtlety and elegance. This is an outrageously oaky, flamboyantly-styled offering with immense hedonistic appeal. Imported by The Australian Premium Wine Collection, John Larchet, USA Wine West LLC, San Rafael, CA; tel. (800)-485-5753 and Chicago Brands, Chicago, IL; tel. (312) 466-9300.