The flagship Dutschke wine is the 2006 Single Barrel Shiraz and was sourced from a vineyard planted in the 1920s It was aged in a new 300-liter Allier barrel prior to bottling without fining or filtration. It emits exquisite aromas of pain grille, truffle, violets, mocha, and blueberry compote. Full-figured and voluptuous on the palate, it has gobs of savory blue fruits, complex spice notes, and a 60-second finish. Give it 5-7 years in the cellar and drink it from 2014 to 2028. It seems to be a symptom of the times for Australian wines in particular and the USA market in general that a quality producer such as Wayne Dutschke is struggling to get his wines on American shelves.Importer: Bluestone Wine Solutions, Carlsbad, CA; www.dutschkewines.com

The 2005 Shiraz “Single Barrel” was aged for 24 months in new French oak. Deep crimson-colored, it has a splendid aromatic array of pain grille, pepper, smoked meat, game, blueberry, and blackberry. Full-bodied and intensely flavored, on the palate notes of licorice and chocolate emerge. The wine is well-balanced with nicely integrated tannin leading to a long, 60-second finish. Give it 5-7 years of cellaring and drink it through 2030. Importer: Michael Opdahl, Joshua Tree Imports, Duarte, CA; www.dutschkewines.com

There is only one barrel of the 2004 Shiraz Single Barrel (which is only declared in certain vintages). Similar to the Oscar Semmler Reserve, it is a powerful, rich, deep, thick Shiraz that should drink well for 15-20 years. One barrel equates to fewer than 50 cases ... so good luck finding any. Importer: Joshua Tree Imports, Azusa, CA; tel. (626) 358-6600

The 2003 Shiraz Single Barrel is a limited selection from the finest barrel. A dense ruby/purple hue is accompanied by aromas of toasty oak, cola, blackberries, and spice box. Medium to full-bodied with good underlying acidity, ripe tannin, savory flavors, and a broad texture, it should hit its apogee in 1-3 years, and last for a decade. This line-up of Dutschke wines was less impressive than I had hoped. Offerings that did not make the grade because of a lack of texture and monolithic, unexpressive personalities include the 2004 Shiraz Brick Road, 2003 WillowBend Proprietary Red, and the 2003 Shiraz St. Jakobi.Importers: Dan Philips, The Grateful Palate, Oxnard, CA; tel. (888) 472-5283 and Joshua Tree Imports, Azusa, CA; tel. (626) 358-6600