The purple-colored 2007 Shiraz The Gaffer spent 12 months in a mix of new and used French oak. The nose reveals wood smoke, spice box, pencil lead, mineral, and blueberry. Structured on the palate, it will require 2-3 years to unwind and fill-out in the finish. At that point, my score may appear conservative. These are three top-notch releases from talented winemaker Ben Riggs. Mr. Riggs, pictured on the label, is Ben’s tribute to his great grandfather who converted the previously sober-minded family into wine imbibers.Importer: Ben Hammerschlag, Epicurean Wines, Seattle, WA; tel. (206) 923-1376

Plush, ripe and distinctive for its floral overtones, offering violet and carnation aromatics over a solid core of boysenberry and bright plum flavors, lingering on the sharp-edged finish. Drink now through 2015. 10,000 cases made, 4,000 cases imported.??–HS??Region: Australia / McLaren Vale Select to Add

Full-bodied and creamy-textured, this is something of an archetypal Australian Shiraz, loaded with berry fruit. Yet there’s also enough tar and coffee complexities to keep you coming back for sip after sip, and a long, mouthwatering finish. Drink now–2015. ——J.C.(10/1/2009)—— 90