Soft and supple in tannins, with just a bit of a sandpapery grip, this dry red has sweetly ripe black-currant flavors with a coating of spicy oak and hints of soy sauce. Doesn’t appear to have the stuff to age, so drink now. ——W.E.(9/1/2005)—— 86

At nearly five years, this is still a dark, young and tannic wine, although the palate senses a softening setting in. It has earthy, coffee, plum and currant flavors that are held together by good acidity. Hold for a few more years.——S.H.(12/1/2004)—— 89

The winery calls it Shiraz because it follows an “Australian” style. If that means tons of toasty oak, they’ve succeeded. Still, there’s also a solid core of black-cherry fruit that offers rich texture and dusty tannins on the finish.——W.E.(11/1/2001)—— 86