The 2001 Savitar Proprietary Red exhibits tremendous complexity, elegance, and texture, full body, loads of black cherry, cassis, and blackberry flavors, and hints of mint, licorice, and smoke. This pure, beautifully knit red can be drunk now as well as over the next 10-12 years. Importer: Benjamin Hammerschlag, Epicurean Wines, Seattle, WA; tel. (206) 923-1376

I tasted a barrel sample of the 2001 Shiraz Savitar. Made from a 15-20-year old Shiraz Vineyard, its opaque purple color is accompanied by layers of flavor, full body, great balance, and uncanny purity and depth of blackberry/blueberry fruit. Sweet, impressively concentrated, and impeccably well-balanced, it should drink well for 10-12 years. This new winery is a partnership of Ben Glaetzer and Frank Mitolo. According to the importer, no expense will be spared in producing these wines from this McLaren Vale Shiraz vineyard. One hundred percent new French oak is utilized. These are both imposing newcomers to Australia's high quality wine sweepstakes. Importer: Benjamin Hammerschlag, Epicurean Wines, Seattle, WA; tel. (206) 923-1376

Rich, beautifully focused and dense with blueberry, plum and sweet spice flavors, firm in texture but open enough to let the flavors sing beautifully through the round, generous finish. Drink now through 2010. 300 cases made, 200 cases imported.??–HS??Region: Australia / McLaren Vale Select to Add