The 2007 Oracle Shiraz spent 22 months in 50% new French oak hogsheads. The wine’s brooding bouquet offers up notes of eucalyptus, dried herbs, spice box, and blueberry. On the palate the wine is full-bodied, structured, and a bit compact. The safest strategy is to consume this Shiraz over the next 5-6 years while the fruit holds. Kilikanoon was clearly challenged by the difficult conditions of the 2007 vintage. A number of the red wines could not be recommended. Those that were, achieved significantly lower scores than they have in the recent past. Importer: Old Bridge Cellars, Napa, CA; www.oldbridgecellars.com

Dense, chewy and tightly packed, with smoky, peppery accents adding depth to the brooding blackberry and licorice flavors. The finish persists against a layer of tannins. Needs time to soften. Best after 2013. 1,000 cases imported.??–HS??Region: Australia / Clare Valley Select to Add

0 Sourced from Kilikanoon’s home region of Clare, this is a lush, creamy-textured Shiraz of chocolaty richness, balanced by notes of black olive, plum and mocha. It’s intense but not overbearing, with lingering notes of dark fruit and spice on the finish. Drink now–2020.