From the Liersch vineyard in Moculta planted in 1994, the 2009 Harold Shiraz has a deep garnet-purple color and complex earthy / meaty notes of black truffles game and loam over a core of blackberries, black currant, Chinese five spice and aniseed. Generously fruited and full bodied, it offers a firm level of grainy tannins and crisp acid on the palate, finishing with plenty savory / peppery flavor layers. It should drink best 2013 to 2021+. 260 cases of this wine were made.Importer: CLD Imports, Barrington, IL; tel. (847) 898-9500

The 2008 Harold Shiraz has a very deep garnet-purple color and intense licorice and warm black cherry / blackberry aromas over spice box and earth. There’s an abundance of savory licorice and creme de cassis flavors on the condensed, very full-bodied palate supported by medium-high acid and firm chewy tannins. It finishes long and a little warm. Temptingly delicious now, it should drink to 2016+. Torbreck’s very talented young winemaker, Craig Isbel, is one of the names behind this rising-star label.Importer: CLD Imports, Barrington, IL; tel. (847) 898-9500