The impressive, dark ruby/purple-colored 1998 Shiraz possesses admirable levels of fruit and extract in addition to copious quantities of toasty wood. The wine (a blend from McLaren Vale, King Valley, and Cowra) was aged in American wood for 20 months prior to bottling. A forward, chocolatey/berry-flavored wine with notes of melted tar, and hints of tannin and acidity in the finish, this Shiraz is meant to be drunk over the next 3-4 years for its gutsy richness and uncomplicated style.Imported by The Australian Premium Wine Collection, John Larchet, USA Wine West, LLC, San Rafael, CA; phone: (800)-485-5753 and Chicago Brands, Chicago, IL; tel. (312) 466-9300.