This 2021 The Rascal Shiraz wears the cooler year on its sleeve in the bright, pure, juicy fruit both aromatically and in the mouth. I really like the freshness and buoyancy in this wine, but it is not complex. The tannins are good through the finish—they shape the fruit and help it to linger after the wine has gone.

Appealing ripe berry and cherry flavors show hints of herb and cedar on a supple frame, with a grace note of dark chocolate on the finish. Drink now through 2029. 1,000 cases made, 280 cases imported.??–MW??Region: Australia / McLaren Vale Select to Add

Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2009 ‘The Rascal’ Shiraz offers aromas of ripe black cherries, mulberries and black plums with nuances of baking spices, sandalwood and stewed tea. The palate lends plenty of ripe, spiced berry flavors with crisp acidity a medium level of rounded tannins, finishing long. Drinking nicely now, it should keep to 2016. Importer: The Country Vintner; www.countryvintner.com.au

Deep garnet-purple in color, 2008 The Rascal Shiraz presents intense notes of ripe blackberries and black cherries with hints of tar, licorice and bitter chocolate. The full bodied palate has ample berry fruit flavors with crisp acid, firm, slightly astringent tannins and a long finish of pepper and anise. Drink it now to 2016. Importer: Glazer’s, Dallas, TX