The 2008 RSW Shiraz is deep garnet-purple in color with notes of blackberry preserves and warm black currant over Indian spices, menthol and smoky bacon. Full bodied, richly fruited and quite spicy in the mouth, it has a medium-firm level of velvety tannins and refreshing acidity, finishing long with some dried berry notes. Drink it now to 2019+. Importer: International Vines Inc., Lafayette, CA; tel. (925) 283-9460

(South Australia) Chocolate orange, dried herbs, cocoa, blackcurrant, tar, liquorice and leather bouquet. Big, rich and dripping with spicy black fruit. This is a beautiful wine - savoury and spicy. Quite a tight palate, with firm and sinewy tannins. Very seductive. Drink: 2012%u20132024. Alc: 14.5%.