Very deep garnet-purple colored, the 2008 Johann Georg Shiraz has pronounced aromas of crushed blueberries and blackberries over chocolate, nutmeg, allspice, toasty oak and fennel seed. Very crisp, concentrated and full-bodied, it has a medium level of fine grained tannins and a long ripe berry finish. Approachable now, it should drink well to 2017+. No known USA importer.

The 2005 Shiraz Johann Georg is purple/black-colored. A fragrant nose of Asian spices, bacon, lavender, game, and blueberry lead to a dense, rich, powerful, and structured Shiraz. It will require a minimum of 6-8 years to fully blossom after which it should offer 15-20 years of pleasurable drinking. Importer: Dan Philips, The Grateful Palate, Oxnard, CA; tel. (805) 782-9095

Big, ripe, rich and focused, dripping with spicy, meaty cherry and toast flavors, remaining silky, explosive and generous as the finish rolls on and on. The tannins are well-integrated. Best from 2012 through 2020. 100 cases made.??–HS??Region: Australia / Barossa / Barossa Valley Select to Add

The flagship 2006 Johann Georg Shiraz comes from a 131-year-old vineyard and spent two years in French and American oak hogsheads, two-thirds new. Purple/black in color with legs that slowly ooze down the glass, it reveals an expansive perfume of wood smoke, lavender, mineral, blueberry, and blackberry liqueur. Opulent on the palate, this velvety-textured, rich Shiraz has that extra dimension of complexity that only old vines can deliver. For optimum pleasure, cellar this special effort for 6-8 years and drink it from 2015 to 2036. Importer: Dan Philips, The Grateful Palate, Oxnard, CA; tel. (805) 278-9095; www.kalleske.com