Deep garnet colored with a purple rim, the 2008 Shiraz has moderate to intense notes of spiced blueberry pie filling, dried mulberries and mint over tree bark and lavender aromas. Full bodied with a firm structure of crisp acid, tight-knit, grainy tannins and plenty of ripe berry fruit, it finishes long with lingering choco-mint notes. Delicious now, it should cellar nicely to 2016+. Part of the Yabby Lake group and made by the very talented winemaker Tom Carson, Heathcote Estate produced a great line-up of Shirazes in 2008.Importer: Yabby Lake Vineyard Inc., Lafayette, CA; Tel: (925) 962-9229

Owned by Yabby Lake Group, this vineyard is located next to Jasper Hill’s ‘Emily’s Paddock.’ Matured 18 months in predominately French oak (10% American), 30% new, this full-bodied 2006 Shiraz gives a very deep garnet color and black cherry and blackberry aromas with a little menthol, mace and pepper. The richness of fruit on the palate is nicely offset by crisp acid and textured with a medium level of rounded tannins. The finish is long and peppery. Ready to drink now, this wine should keep to 2017+. Importer: Yabby Lake Vineyard Inc., Lafayette, CA; tel. (925) 962-9229