The best of this trio is the 2005 Shiraz – Viognier (6%). It spent 18 months in French and Hungarian hogsheads, approximately 50% new. Purple-colored, it has an alluring perfume of toast, wood smoke, bacon, floral notes, and blueberry compote. Opulent, ripe, and concentrated, the wine is nicely balanced and long. Drink it over the next 6-8 years. Importer: Negociants USA, Napa, CA; www.yalumba.com; Also tasted: 2005 Tempranillo-Grenache-Viognier “TGV” (88), 2005 Mourvedre-Grenache-Shiraz (89)

Seamless, polished and remarkably expressive. A wine of uncommon balance that plays its ripe cherry, plum and mulberry flavors against wisps of cream, clove and white pepper, all of it mingling harmoniously on the long, refined finish. Best from 2009 through 2020. 225 cases imported.??–HS??Region: Australia / Barossa Select to Add