The 2004 Shiraz Ares is spectacular. Aged 12 months in 100% new French oak, the Ares is produced from the finest 20 barrels from the Bella’s Garden cuvee. Inky/blue/purple with notes of graphite, blueberries, blackberries, black currants, licorice, and smoke, this is a full-bodied, super-rich, intense, fabulously pure, rich Shiraz with a multidimensional mid-palate as well as a 45+ second finish. It will benefit from 2-4 years of bottle age, and should keep for 2-3 decades. Importer: Paterno Imports, Lake Bluff, IL; tel. (847) 604-8900

Rich and generous with its silky tannins and expressive black cherry, blackberry, huckleberry and meaty spice notes that flit through the long, round, oak-scented finish. Has great vibrancy and detail, and the finish lingers for days. Shiraz. Drink now through 2020. 417 cases imported.