The 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon “Allyson Parsons” spent 12 months in French and American oak. It offers an attractive nose of red and black currants with a hint of chocolate in the background. This leads to a full-bodied wine with good but superficial flavors and a relatively short finish. Drink it over the next 2-3 years. Craneford has no estate vineyards, purchasing fruit from selected Barossa Valley grape growers. There are two tiers of wine, the value-priced Allyson Parsons line, and the flagship Craneford label.Importer: Ken Onish and John Gorman, Southern Starz; www.cranefordwines.com

Boasts tremendously ripe fruit—the stated alcohol level is 15.5%—yet doesn’t seem overly hot or bulky. As you might expect, the tannins are soft, while the flavors of cassis pick up hints of cola, earth and tobacco. Despite the ripeness, there’s a streak of tangy acidity that holds everything together. Drink now.——J.C.(2/1/2008)—— 87