The 2008 Savitar Shiraz comes from a select part of the GAM block on a lighter colored, more limestone-based soil. It’s matured for 14 months in barriques, 100% new, 90% French. Very deep purple-black in color, it presents intense blackberry and cassis notes with some lifted balsamic, prunes, Indian spices and tree bark scents. Full-bodied with concentrated dark berry and spice flavors, it gives medium to firm fine ripe tannins, crisp acid and a long earthy finish. It is approachable now but will be better with a year or two in bottle, drinking from 2013 to 2019+. Aided by top McLaren Vale winemaker Ben Glaetzer, Frank Mitolo continues to forge a fantastic range of individually styled wines.Importer: Vintus Wines, NY, NY; tel. (914) 769 3000, www.vintuswines.com