Showing a flattering, precocious character, 1997 Shiraz Basket Press has a deep purple color, a sweet nose of blue and black berries, intermixed with licorice and barbecue spices. The wine is full-bodied, very supple, ripe, with low acidity and a spicy, long, succulent finish. Anticipated maturity: now-2016. Thanks to the persistent efforts of the American importer Dan Philips of the Grateful Palate (Oxnard, CA; tel. 888-472-5283), small quantities of Rockford wines for the first time are now available in the United States.