The 2005 Blackbilly Shiraz is purple-colored with a fragrant nose of smoke, grilled bacon, and blueberry. Medium to full-bodied, it has layers of black fruit flavors, excellent depth, and enough ripe tannins to develop for another 2-3 years. The finish is long and fruit-filled, Drink this solid value over the next 8-10 years.Importer: John Larchet, The Australian Premium Wine Collection; www.blackbilly.com Also tasted: 2006 Pinot Grigio, Fleurieu

Medium-bodied in the context of Australian Shiraz, this ripe, cola-scented wine features a slight dusty tannic structure that imparts a charming mouthfeel. Complex flavors of cola, coffee, vanilla and a range of mixed berries finish long and elegant. This comes straight out of the bottle with a slightly rubbery note, so it’s worth giving it a quick splash in the decanter prior to serving.——J.C.(3/1/2008)—— 90