Medium-deep garnet colored, the 2008 Merlot gives evolved notes of stewed plums and Mediterranean herbs plus whiffs of tobacco and leather. The acid is very crisp on the medium to full bodied palate, though it has a good amount of mature fruit supported by a medium level of chewy tannins. It finishes savory with good persistence. Drink it now through 2014. Importer: Southern Starz, Huntington Beach, CA; tel. (714) 892-3030

The 2006 Merlot has an expressive red fruit nose. On the palate it is supple and sweet, with ripe fruit and good depth. The wine, meant for near-term drinking, is balanced and elegant. Craneford has no estate vineyards, purchasing fruit from selected Barossa Valley grape growers. There are two tiers of wine, the value-priced Allyson Parsons line, and the flagship Craneford label.Importer: Ken Onish and John Gorman, Southern Starz; www.cranefordwines.com