The dense ruby/purple-colored 1998 Shiraz is a 100% Shiraz cuvee aged in both French and American wood. It offers oaky, spicy, pepper, and black fruit aromas as well as flavors. Simple, straightforward, medium-bodied, and pleasant, but lacking complexity, it will drink well for 5-7 years. Importer: Rock Creek Wine Merchants, Bethesda, MD; (301) 530-5388

Ripe and generous, and seductive for its focused blackberry, plum and roasted meat aromas and flavors that linger on the rich, velvety finish. Drink now through 2008. 1,500 cases made, 200 cases imported.??–HS??Region: Australia / Coonawarra Select to Add

Nose of sawdust, light brown sugar, apple peel, leather and grilled meat; palate of dry red fruit with an emphasis on meat and brown sugar. An attention-getting body and lasting finish make the mark. —K.F. ——K.F.(3/1/2003)—— 88