Ripe, focused and silky, with a mild bite of tannins to support the cedary black cherry and spice flavors, lingering effectively on the expressive finish. Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Merlot and Malbec. Drink now through 2014. 10,000 cases made, 2,000 cases imported.??–HS??Region: Australia / Barossa Select to Add

The 2007 Shotfire Cuvee is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Petit Verdot, and Shiraz which was aged for 18 months in French and American oak. The wine is well-made but reflects some of the difficulties of the vintage. On the palate the wine is a bit lean, sinewy, and structured. It may fill out but the safest bet is to drink it near-term. Thorn-Clarke is a fine source for values from Australia. There are three levels of wine, the Milton Park series lined priced at $13, the Terra Barossa series line priced at $15, and the Shotfire series line priced at $24. Typically they can be found discounted at hard to resist prices.Importer: Kysela Pere & Fils, Winchester, VA; tel. (540) 722-9228

Ripe and focused, this is light on its feet and still delivers layers of cherry, tobacco and savory notes. Finishes with a tight structure that lets the flavors linger. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Petit Verdot and Shiraz. Drink now through 2015. 15,000 cases made, 8,000 cases imported.??–HS??Region: Australia / Barossa Select to Add