The 2008 Woodcutter’s Shiraz has a very deep garnet-purple color and pronounced warm black cherry and blueberry aromas with a peppery undercurrent, plus some mocha and a suggestion of violets. Medium-high acid and medium-firm finely grained tannins support the generous, full bodied fruit and, though the overall effect is quite rich, this is an effortlessly harmonious wine with a good long finish. Delicious now, it will continue to drink well through 2017. I’ve long thought that Torbreck’s Woodcutter’s wines deliver amazing value and the recent releases are no exception. This is just a glimpse into David Powell’s line-up of current releases to be featured in the forthcoming South Australia report (TWA Issue 192). 2008 was a challenging vintage for many in the Barossa, and Powell opted not to produce a RunRig that year. The good news for bargain hunters is that he was able to forge a very good entry level Shiraz using some of the declassified fruit.Importer: The Australian Wine Collection, Carlsbad, CA; www.torbreck.com

This wine shows some slightly raisiny notes and a bit of alcoholic warmth; otherwise, it’s a boldly aromatic Shiraz with faint notes of overripe mulberries, spice and vanilla. Hints of tea come in on the finish. Drink now.——J.C.(7/1/2011)—— 85