Shirvington’s 2008 Shiraz gives a deep garnet-purple color and intense notes of warm black cherries and black raspberries over anise, chocolate box, allspice and vanilla pod. Very full-bodied and concentrated with 16% declared alcohol, this is a big mouthful yet well balanced with crisp acidity and medium-firm fine tannins, finishing long. Approachable now, it should blossom with another couple of years in bottle and drink through 2020+. Importer: Quintessential Wines, Napa, CA; tel. (914) 725-3479.

Smooth and velvety, framing its cherry, leather and spice flavors with fine tannins, lingering nicely with a touch of wet earth. Drink now through 2015. 900 cases made.??–HS??Region: Australia / McLaren Vale Select to Add

2 Full-bodied and creamy-textured, this is a big (16% abv) yet beautiful example of McLaren Vale Shiraz, with ample toast and vanilla from oak maturation balanced by bold raspberry fruit and plenty of meaty, savory complexity. The long, supple finish suggests a drinking window from now through 2016.——J.C.(11/1/2011)—— 91