Having been matured for 24 months in new and 1 year American puncheons, the 2005 Calliope Shiraz emerges with a deep garnet color and a core of prune and kirsch aromas edged by a real spiciness – cinnamon and nutmeg – giving lift to the ripe fruit. Medium-high acid and a medium level of velvety tannins with lots of fruit and spice flesh come through on the full-bodied (and then some) palate. The finish is long and a bit hot. Drink this wine now through 2015+. Best known for their rare, fortified vintage blends of Muscat and Tokay – the style that really put Rutherglen on the fine wine map – R L Buller also produce some very good if robust table wines that speak of the region’s hot growing season.Importer: Southern Starz, Huntington Beach, CA; tel. (714) 892-3030