The 2004 Shiraz “Apricot Block” was aged for 28 months in older American oak. It has an expressive bouquet of cedar, tar, pepper, violets, blueberry, and licorice. Full-bodied, smoothly-textured, layered, and rich, this intense, powerful wine should drink well for 12-15 years. Greenock Creek Vineyard and Cellars, owned by Michael and Annabelle Waugh, is one of the Barossa’s benchmark wineries. Start with a great terroir, add in old vine material, and meticulous winemaking and the results are usually extraordinary.Importer: Dan Philips, The Grateful Palate, Oxnard, CA; tel. (805) 278-9095

Smells almost Port-like, with expansive aromas of fruit cake, maple syrup and chocolate, then delivers a similar array of flavors, although completely dry. Full-bodied, lush and richly textured, this is almost too much, although the intriguing spice notes of cinnamon, clove and allspice help rein in the waves of chocolate and dried fruit. Long, velvety and slightly warm on the finish. Drink now–2015.——J.C.(11/1/2007)—— 93