The outstanding, dense purple-colored 1999 Shiraz Copper Trail displays aromas of sweet blackberry liqueur, pepper, vanilla, and spice. This expansive and fleshy wine is best drunk over the next 8-10 years. This cuvee is aged in both French and American oak, although the trend is toward less American and more French. It is a very well-made wine. Part of the enormous Beringer-Blass empire, this was my first experience with Annie's Lane. Importer: Beringer-Blass Wine Estates, Napa, CA; tel. (707) 963-7115

A lighter-style Shiraz from Clare. Nose offers fruitcake, bready aromas with candied fruit. The palate is a fruit bonanza—think red plum, black plum and raspberry. A fleeting herbal, or metallic, edge at the back of the palate, and a finish that fades a little too fast are my only quibbles.——D.T.(12/31/2003)—— 86