Produced from five vineyards up and down the valley and matured in a 3,000-liter foudre, the 2008 McNicol Shiraz (yes, this is the current release!) offers up subtle hints of vanilla and baking spices, but those serve as mere accents to the intense mixed-berry fruit. Medium to full-bodied, it's more generous than the Cabernet yet still silky in texture and fine and elegant on the finish.

Deep garnet in color, the 2006 Shiraz Mcnicol opens with mature kirsch, crème de cassis and prunes notes over incense, tobacco and a touch of leather. Big, full-bodied and rich, it is concentrated with firm velvety tannins, plenty of freshness and fruit that finish long with aniseed hints.

(South Australia) Wonderful aged bouquet of black tea, green olive, old leather, savoury marmite, thyme and tobacco. Outstanding intensity - showing complexity akin to the Old World style of Syrah. Complex, multi-layered and superb. Drink: 2011%u20132018. Alc: 14.5%.