Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2008 Tappa Pass Shiraz presents aromas of ripe plums and blackberry cordial with suggestions of raw meat, mint, yeast extract, coffee and loam. Full bodied and richly fruited with mouth-filling warm berry flavors, it’s well structured with a firm level of chewy tannins and racy acid. The finish is long and pure. Delicious now, it should develop gracefully and cellar to 2018+. During my visit to Henschke, I was treated to a mini vertical of the Green’s Hill Lenswood Riesling. A single vineyard wine, production is tiny though it can occasionally be seen in export markets and is well worth the hunt. Note that no 2007 Hill of Grace is reviewed here. Due to the tiny production of this vintage (only 8 hogsheads, owing to frost and drought), the release has been delayed and it wasn’t available yet for tasting.Importer: Negociants USA, Napa, CA; tel. (707) 259-0993

The 2006 Tappa Pass Shiraz spent 18 months in 77% new hogsheads. The nose displays toasty oak, Asian spices, incense, licorice, blueberry, and blackberry liqueur. Dense, rich, and opulent, this medium to full-bodied offering has tons of savory flavor and several years of aging potential. Drink it from 2011 to 2018. Importer: Negociants USA, Napa, CA; tel. (707) 259-0993