Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2009 Shiraz gives pronounced warm blackberry, lifted black cherry and black currant aromas over nuances of cinnamon stick, chocolate and vanilla. Medium to full bodied, very crisp and generously fruited in the mouth, it has a medium level of rounded tannins and a long fruity finish with some wood and vanilla poking through. Approachable now, it should drink to 2017. Importer: Winebow; www.winebow.com

The 2007 Shiraz spent 14 month in French and American oak, 33% of the latter new. Purple-colored, it displays an enticing aromatic array of smoked meat, game, bacon, and blueberry. Full-bodied, concentrated, and already revealing some complexity, this savory, lengthy effort will evolve for 1-2 years and drink well from 2011 to 2019. It is an outstanding value.Importer: Click Wine Group, Seattle, WA; tel. (800) 859-0689