The powerful, rich, full-bodied 2001 Shiraz Scotsdale reveals surprising elegance and purity for its depth and mass. A classic combination of pepper, blackberries, earth, and licorice is found in this seamless Shiraz. Drink it now and over the next 10-12 years. Importer: Ted Schrauth, Old Vines Australia, imported by Epic Wines, Santa Cruz, CA, tel. (831) 689-9080; Commonwealth Wines, Mansfield, MA, tel. (508) 261-9300; and Domaine Select, New York, NY, tel. (212) 279-0799

I somehow always prefer HP’s Leston Shiraz to the Scotsdale, but at least the two bottlings do have their own personalities. This wine has woodsy tannins, and a slight greenness mixed in with its black grape and plum fruit. Finishes woody and wooly, with that leaf-stem flavor again. The note that is offputting to this reviewer stems from terroir, not flawed winemaking; the wine may be more attractive to others.——D.T.(11/15/2004)—— 86