Deep garnet-purple, the 2012 Shiraz offers scents of mulberries, black cherry compote and licorice with touches of charcoal and earth. Medium-bodied, soft and spicy, it has a rounded texture in the mouth and delivers what it says on the tin: a solid Hunter Valley style of Shiraz. Drink it now to 2016.Imported by Winesellers, Ltd.; Niles, IL; www.winesellersltd.com

Deep garnet-purple-colored, the 2011 Shiraz gives a good intensity of ripe blackberry and black cherry aromas with hints of black plums, tar, licorice and loam. Medium-bodied with a medium level of chewy tannins and lively acid, it offers just enough fruit to flesh the mid-palate and finishes medium-long. Drink it now through 2014. Imported by Winesellers, Ltd.; Niles, IL; www.winesellersltd.com

Forward and fruit-driven, with a hint of pepper to the blackberry and plum fruit. Pretty weighty for a Hunter Shiraz, but showing the region’s subtle tannins on the finish. Drink now–2015.——J.C.(3/1/2010)—— 88