A black, sexy beast, the 2004 Syrah Brookman (aged in 50% new French oak) offers up amazingly full-bodied, intense, blackberry fruit intermixed with notions of roasted coffee, flowers, and creme de cassis. Full-bodied, rich, beautifully textured, opulent, and long, it should drink well for 10-15 years. It appears to be slightly more forward than it was last year. Importer: Wine Brokers Unlimited, tel. (866) 416-9463

Polished. Remarkably open in texture and focused in flavor, fine-grained tannins surrounding a pulsing core of blueberry, plum and wild berry flavors that linger effortlessly on the ever-so-slightly hot finish. Best from 2008 through 2020. 500 cases imported.??–HS??Region: Australia / Clarendon Select to Add

If the Liandra is Bratasiuk’s Cote-Rotie, this is the wine he calls “more Hermitage.” And it does have some iron-like, minerally notes to it. But there’s more New World suppleness and flesh as well, featuring lush plum and cassis fruit, some hickory-smoked bacon and layers of coffee and cream on the lengthy finish. Approachable now, but should be even better in five years and will easily last for 10–15. ——J.C.(12/15/2006)—— 95