Made in a European-oriented winemaking style (the winemaker/proprietor is Spanish), the 2001 Grenache et al comes across as a serious imitation of a French Cotes du Rhone. Notes of white pepper, kirsch liqueur, and pine/resiny notes emerge from this deep ruby-colored effort. With loads of fruit and spice, a medium-bodied texture, and a long, persistent, supple finish, it will drink well for 3-4 years. Impressive! Importer: Ken Onish & John Gorman, Southern Starz, Huntington Beach, CA; tel. (714) 892-3030

Polished and vibrant, lively with crisp-textured black cherry, blackberry and bay leaf aromas and flavors that echo nicely on the fine-grained finish. Contains Shiraz and Mourvèdre too. Drink now through 2008. 500 cases made.??–HS??Region: Australia / McLaren Vale Select to Add