Dark blackberry, Szechuan peppercorn, cassis and cigar box flavors are very dense and concentrated, set against firm tannins and showing plenty of style. There's no lack of density on the finish, but details of black tea, licorice and mineral linger. Drink now through 2030. 500 cases made, 50 cases imported.??–MW??Region: Australia / McLaren Vale Select to Add

Opulent and flashy, with fleshy, ripe plum and blackberry flavors accented by plenty of spice and black pepper, bay leaf and savory accents. Robust finish. Drink now through 2028. 500 cases made, 50 cases imported.??–MW??Region: Australia / McLaren Vale Select to Add

The 2005 Shiraz “Frux Frugis” (meaning “fruit of the earth” in Latin) spent 18 months in a combination of new and older French and American oak of which 36% was new French and 25% was new American. Dark crimson/purple-colored, the wine has a superb bouquet of smoke, damp earth, espresso, blueberry, blackberry, coconut, and chocolate. Full-bodied, the wine manages to retain some elegance. There are gobs of spicy fruit, ripe tannins, and serious depth and complexity even at this early stage in its development. The importer provided samples of the 2001, 2002, and 2003 which clearly show that this wine will blossom with additional time in the cellar. Give it 8-10 years to evolve and drink it through 2035. The 70 acre Ulithorne vineyard, owned by Sam Harrison and Rose Kentish, is 36 years old in what should be its prime of life. The owners sell most of the fruit to a giant wine company but retain the best parcels to make the Ulithorne wines.Importer: Jane Delaney, The Ravensvale Group, Naples, FL; www.ravensvale.com/ulithorne.htm Also tasted: 2005 “Flamma” Sparkling Shiraz (89)