The 2005 Shiraz Barossa Valley “Old Vine Collection” was aged for 20 months in new French oak. It is purple/black with a big, brooding nose of smoky oak, bacon, grilled meat, blueberry, and blackberry liqueur. Tightly wound on the palate but oozing with spicy blue and black fruits, the wine is balanced, structured and very long in the finish. It requires 6-8 years in the cellar and will drink well through 2035.The owner/winemaker of Gibson Wines is Rob Gibson who left Penfolds to start his own winery.Importer: Dan Philips, The Grateful Palate, Oxnard, CA; tel. (805) 278-9095

The 2005 Shiraz Eden Valley “Old Vine Collection” comes from a 50-year-old vineyard with small yields. It was aged for 20 months in new French oak hogsheads. Opaque purple-colored, it has an enticing perfume of wood smoke, spice box, leather, pepper, bacon, plum, and blueberry. This leads to a full-bodied, supple-textured, ripe wine with layered, spicy blue and black fruit flavors, excellent balance, and a long finish. Give it 3-5 years in the cellar and drink it through 2025. The owner/winemaker of Gibson Wines is Rob Gibson who left Penfolds to start his own winery.Importer: Dan Philips, The Grateful Palate, Oxnard, CA; tel. (805) 278-9095

A brooding, fascinating glass of wine, lithe and supple from beginning to end, with a gravelly character that adds interest to the ripe blackberry and cherry fruit, nicely shaded with hints of pepper and bacon. Drink now through 2017. 150 cases made, 25 cases imported.??–HS??Region: Australia / Barossa / Barossa Valley Select to Add

Incredibly perfumed, with peppery spice, vanilla, anise and blackberries all forming a wonderful whirlwind of aromas. Yet despite the complexity and obvious concentration, it’s not heavy at all, delivering masses of flavor without excessive weight or obtrusive tannin. Mouthfeel is slightly creamy, the finish is long and spicy; in short, it’s the complete package. Drink now–2017.——J.C.(11/1/2007)—— 93

Even more spicy and meaty in nature than Gibson’s Barossa bottling, this microcuvee—only 160 cases were bottled—highlights the savory side of Eden Valley Shiraz. Cola and blackberry flavors help round it out, but this is a slightly leaner style, albeit one that’s complex and elegant. Drink 2009–2020.——J.C.(11/1/2007)—— 92