The 2004 Shiraz Isolation Ridge Vineyard is a bright cherry red with an excellent perfume of pepper, underbrush, blueberry, and black cherry. Made in an elegant style (a very different expression than Shiraz from Barossa and McLaren Vale), it has plenty of racy, ripe red and blue fruit, excellent balance, and a pure finish. It will blossom over the next 3-5 years and offer prime drinking from 2012 to 2024. Frankland Estate is considered by many to be the leading estate from the Frankland River GI.Importer: John Larchet, The Australian Premium Wine Collection; www.franklandestate.com.au

Distinctly peppery and full of personality, this is juicy with blackberry and savory, meaty flavors that ride under the spicy character. Lingers with hints of dark chocolate as the finish persists well. Drink now through 2016. 600 cases imported.??–HS??Region: Australia / Western Australia / Frankland River Select to Add

This is the sort of Shiraz that forces tasters to re-examine their view of the variety as produced in Australia. It starts off with powerful aromas of cracked pepper and floral notes evocative of violets, then delivers explosively spicy flavors of pepper and licorice cushioned by ripe blackberries and a rich, supple texture. It’s the best of New and Old Worlds. Drink 2010–2020 plus. Imported by USA Wine West.——J.C.(12/31/2008)—— 93