The 2002 Shiraz/Grenache Brave Faces (a blend of 60% Shiraz and 40% Grenache) possesses a dense ruby/purple color in addition to gorgeous aromatics consisting of blackberries, cherries, licorice, and spice. Plump, full-bodied, velvety-textured, and opulent, it will provide a hedonistic mouthful of Australian red over the next 3-4 years. Importers: Elliot Bay Distributing, Seattle, WA; tel. (206) 850-5059, and Ronnie Sanders, Vine St. Imports, Philadelphia, PA; tel. (215) 473-9463

Cassis, licorice and caramel on the nose signal what’s to come in the mouth: This wine’s a big, bright fruit bomb, full of sweet blackberry and blueberry fruit with some caramel thrown in for good measure. Full-on fruit can be a good thing, but a little restraint in this case wouldn’t hurt.——D.T.(12/31/2003)—— 86