Coming from vines planted in 1961 and matured in French and American oak for 15 months, the 2008 Patel Shiraz has a very deep garnet-purple color and intense aromas of black cherries plus hints of mint, cinnamon stick, cloves and whiff of earth. The palate is very full-bodied and a little hot (16% declared alcohol) with plenty of concentrated kirsch and spice flavors, crisp acid, firm grainy tannins and a long layered finish. It’s approachable now but should marry better with a year or two in bottle and drink to 2022. Importer: Epicurean Wines, Seattle, WA; tel. (206) 923-1376