Earthy, minerally flavors dominate in this lean, focused Shiraz. Currant notes come through on the finish. Drink now through 2018. 80 cases imported.??–HS??Region: Australia / Barossa / Barossa Valley Select to Add

Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2009 Apricot Block Shiraz gives notes of stewed plums, raspberry preserves and blackberry pie with underlying suggestions of tobacco, underbrush, moss covered bark and rose hip tea. Full bodied with plenty of rich fruit, an opulent spicy character is revealed in the mouth, balanced by crisp acid and medium to firm level of velvety tannins. The finish is long and savory. Consider drinking this one from 2013 to 2019+. Importer: No Known American Importer.

Riper and fuller is the 2008 Apricot Block. It has a very deep garnet-purple color and intense blackberry preserve, Chinese dried plum and mulberry aromas with supporting notes of licorice, vanilla pod, tar, cinnamon stick and dried leaves. Very full-bodied and very crisp (a little disjointed) in the mouth, it provides a firm level of coarse textured, slightly astringent tannins and plenty of juicy, somewhat over-ripe fruit leading to a long warm and spicy finish. Drink it 2013 to 2018. Importer: Dan Philips, The Grateful Palate, Oxnard, CA; tel. (805) 782-9095

The 2006 Shiraz Apricot Block is also closed down and tannic. Its aromatics are reticent and the structure dominates the fruit at the moment. Whether it will come into balance remains to be seen. Greenock Creek’s latest collection is a bit more mixed than usual due to the more challenging nature of the vintages from which these wine were produced. There is one bit of sad news; their Creek Block parcel is no longer commercially viable due to the age of the vines and will no longer be produced.Importer: Dan Philips, The Grateful Palate, Oxnard, CA; tel. (805) 782-9095

Firm and chewy, with gritty tannins around a glowing core of blackberry and spice flavors, lingering on the weighty finish. Best from 2010 through 2020.??–HS??Region: Australia / Barossa / Barossa Valley Select to Add