The 2005 Shiraz “Scotsdale” has better aromatics than the “Leston,” with scents of pain grille, pepper, leather, spice box, tobacco, and blueberry. The flavors are attractive and the wine has very good depth. There is enough ripe tannin to support several year of further evolution in the bottle. Drink it through 2020. Howard Park is an excellent source for elegant red and white wines from Western Australia. Even better, they offer an outstanding price/quality ratio. Importer: Bluewater Wine Co., Providence RI; www.howardparkwines.com Also tasted: 2006 Riesling (82), 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon (82)

Howard Park’s single-vineyard Cabernet and Shiraz bottlings offer consistently good value for the money. The 2005 Scotsdale Shiraz delivers layers of mixed berries, baking spices and hints of dried fruit and toasty oak. It’s full-bodied, lush and creamy-textured in the mouth, with a long finish powered by fruit and shaped by dusty tannins. Drink now-2020.——J.C.(12/31/2008)—— 91