The 2004 Esprit, a blend of 36% Grenache, 34% Shiraz, 20% Mourvedre, and 10% Cinsault, is a Cotes du Rhone-like effort offering notes of black cherries, pepper, garrigue, spice box, and earth. Fruit-driven as well as restrained and complex, it should be consumed over the next 3-4 years. Importer: Fran Kysela, Kysela Pere et Fils, Winchester, VA; tel. (540) 722-9228

Lithe and juicy, this is a bright mouthful of raspberry, strawberry and fresh herb flavors that linger beautifully, with a touch of white pepper and white chocolate on the lively finish. Grenache, Shiraz, Mataro and Cinsault. Best from 2008 through 2012. 330 cases made.??–HS??Region: Australia / Barossa / Barossa Valley Select to Add

(a blend of grenache, shiraz, mataro and cinsault) Ruby-red. Flamboyant, pungent nose offers a wild combination of ripe red and dark berry aromas, fresh flowers, pipe tobacco, high-grade chocolate and roasted coffee. On the palate, the red fruit element speaks strongest today, even if the finish takes a darker turn toward blackberry liqueur and blackcurrant. Sweet and lush in texture and nicely framed by fine, well-integrated tannins. Finishes with superb length and concentration and a distinctly sappy impression. This highly successful blend should be given at least a few years of cellaring.