The 2005 Esprit, a blend of 40% Grenache, 34% Shiraz, with the balance Cinsault, Mataro, and Carignan, was aged for 20 months in French oak. Purple-colored, it exhibits aromas of garrigue, damp earth, blueberry, blackberry, and black cherry. Very Chateauneuf du Pape-like, the wine is full-bodied; smooth textured, and has superb depth and balance. The wine is structured and will benefit from 6-8 years of bottle age. Drink it through 2025. Importer: Kysela Pere et Fils, Winchester, VA; tel. (540) 722-9258

Supple and round. A plump mouthful of blackberry, cherry and roasted red pepper flavors that mingle artfully on the lithe texture, echoing beautifully on the long finish. Grenache, Shiraz, Cinsault, Mataro and Carignane. Drink now through 2012. 873 cases made, 200 cases imported.??–HS??Region: Australia / Barossa / Barossa Valley Select to Add

(a blend of 40% grenache, 34% shiraz, 12% cinsault, 8% mataro and 6% carignan) Ruby-red. Open-knit red and dark berry aromas are deepened by tobacco, minerals and fresh flowers. On the palate, spicy raspberry and blackberry flavors are complicated by bright mineral and baking spice notes. A fresh, firm midweight that's drinking very well now.