Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2009 The Master Montepulciano is intensely scented of blackberry preserve and blueberry tart notes over hints of baker’s chocolate, yeast extract, cinnamon stick, mocha and licorice. Full bodied and concentrated in the mouth, it has some chewy tannins and crisp acidity, finishing long and fruity. It is delicious now at this primary, youthful stage though should evolve nicely over the next few years and drink to 2016+. Tscharke’s Barossa Gold label represents good value wines made from the Glaymond range’s de-selected barrels.Importer: Martin Scott Wines, www.martinscottwines.com

Very deep garnet-purple colored, 2008 The Master Montepulciano has earthy aromas of tar and damp earth over warm black cherries, licorice, chocolate and a whiff of prunes. Very crisp with medium-firm chewy tannins it gives a good concentration of savory and dark berry flavors. The finish is long with lingering notes of bitter chocolate and anise. Drink this one now to 2015. Importer: Dan Philips, The Grateful Palate, Oxnard, CA; tel. (805) 782-9095

The 2007 The Master Montepulciano spent 15 months in 50% new French oak hogsheads. It offers up an intriguing nose of wood smoke, pencil lead, mulberry, and blueberry. Full-bodied and structured on the palate, it narrows out on the finish. Nevertheless, it has plenty of ripe, tasty fruit for enjoying over the next four years. Importer: Dan Philips, The Grateful Palate, Oxnard, CA; tel. (805) 278-9095

The 2006 The Master is 100% Montepulciano sourced from estate vineyards with modest yields of 2 tons per acre. It was aged for 15 months in 25% new French oak and 75% in seasoned French oak. Crimson-colored, it presents aromas of damp earth, spice box, red cherry, and cassis. This is followed by a lean, racy wine with slightly tart flavors and enough structure to evolve for another 2-3 years. It is true to its Italian heritage. Damien Tscharke, the youthful proprietor/winemaker of his namesake winery, is carving his own path in the Barossa by making wine from grapes such as Albarino, Tempranillo, Graciano, Zinfandel, and Montepulciano.Importer: Dan Philips, The Grateful Palate; Oxnard, CA; tel. (805) 278-9095

Bright and juicy, with a velvety mouthfeel to the red raspberry, black cherry and vaguely eucalyptus aromas and flavors. A distinctive wine that has presence and finishes a bit hot. Drink now through 2010. 125 cases made, 35 cases imported.??–HS??Region: Australia / Barossa / Barossa Valley Select to Add