The 2005 Dry Red Wine No. 1 is 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, and the balance Malbec and Petit Verdot. It was aged in 100% new oak. Purple-colored, it emits an alluring fragrance of smoky oak, toast, vanilla, pencil lead, olives, black currant, and blackberry liqueur. This is followed by a full-bodied, tannic, muscular wine in need of a decade of cellaring. Impressively balanced, all components are well-integrated, and the finish lasts for 60 seconds. It will drink well through 2035. Ancient by Australian standards, this artisanal winery was started in 1969 by Dr. Bailey Carrodus. It now encompasses 78 dry-farmed acres. All of the wines are produced from estate fruit.Importer: Gavin Speight, Old Bridge Cellars, Napa, CA; tel. (707) 258-9552

Smooth and polished, this is a graceful red that's complex, with layers of dusky spice, earthy loam and subtle mint around a core of black cherry and rhubarb flavors, persisting into a distinctive, harmonious finish. Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Best from 2009 through 2017. 50 cases imported.??–HS??Region: Australia / Victoria / Yarra Valley Select to Add

Dark violet. Fresh red berry and cherry aromas are strikingly pure, with fresh floral and mineral nuances contributing to the impression of brightness. Crisp and focused, with vibrant redcurrant and wild strawberry flavors, silky tannins and a late note of licorice. Finishes brisk and clean, with a hint of pungent herbs and striking freshness and length.

This is a little slow out of the gate, starting off with some rather cabbage-like aromas. Over time, the odors evolve toward smoke and ash, and, finally, into a complex, cedary aroma. The flavors of this medium-bodied blend (80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Malbec, 8% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot) feature blackberry and cassis, but also fold in hints of smoked meat and vanilla before finishing crisp and long. This really evolves and improves in the glass, suggesting 10-plus years of potential longevity. ——J.C.(12/15/2008)—— 90