The 2001 Shiraz (Unnamed) is absurdly priced at $1,200 a magnum, but it is essentially one barrel of super-duper, concentrated Duck Muck. Neither port-like nor over-ripe, it is a super-concentrated, pure, intense Shiraz. However, the pricing makes no sense to me, but since there are only 200 magnums for the world, I expect the Duck can get away with it. It should last for 10-20 years.Importer: Dan Philips, The Grateful Palate, Oxnard, CA; tel. (888) 472-5283

A distinctive Shiraz, the black/purple-colored 1998's (600 cases produced) explosive aromatic bouquet is reminiscent of the Maryland-produced Old Bay spice (used with abundance on the local steamed crabs). The spicy note is accompanied by aromas of blackberries, cassis, licorice, and toasty oak. Rich and backward, with fabulous concentration, it will improve significantly with another 2-4 years of bottle age, and should keep for a minimum of 12-15 years. Importer: Dan Philips, The Grateful Palate, Oxnard, CA; tel. (888) 472-5283