The 2006 Hand-Picked Shiraz-Viognier (6%) was fermented naturally and aged for 15 months in 33% new French oak hogsheads. It shows off a captivating perfume of pain grille, pencil lead, pepper, lavender, and blueberry. Medium to full-bodied, ripe, and succulent, it reveals plenty of spice, excellent balance, and a lengthy finish. Give it 2-3 years of additional cellaring and drink it from 2012 to 2018. Yalumba has devoted considerable effort to bringing out the best in Viognier.Importer: Negociants USA, Napa, CA; tel. (707) 359-0993

Great palate intensity and a complex nose are this wine’s outstanding features. Intriguing hints of blueberry, herbs and olives on the nose lead to a lush, almost fat palate and a moderately long finish redolent of violets. Drink now–2012.——W.E.(2/1/2009)—— 89