Produced from vines planted in 1935, the 2006 Single Site Lyndoch Shiraz reveals a medium-deep garnet-purple color and earthy / menthol notes with some bacon fat, fragrant exotic spice box, kirsch and creme de cassis. Crisp and taut, this medium to full-bodied Shiraz offers firm fine-grained tannins and just enough muscular fruit, going long and earthy in the finish. Delicious now, it should continue to cellar to 2020+. Remaining one of Australia’s oldest, largest and most prestigious family owned companies, Yalumba’s top wines should not be overlooked amongst the limelight-hogging young-gun wines that have sprung-up around the Barossa in the last 20 years. Some of the region’s finest vineyards are owned or contracted by this company. They’ve also contributed considerably to the quality of vine material available throughout the region with the impressive developments at the Yalumba nursery. Regarding the current releases, The Signature and Octavius won’t be released in 2007. I was informed that in 2008 all their reds were picked before the first week of March but there were no single site wines made in 2008 because it was felt the fruit wasn’t expressing the sites. 2009 was a good year and everything will be released, though winemaker Louisa Rose confessed that their early maturing Shiraz suffered the most in the 2009 heat spike.Importer: Negociants USA, Napa, CA; tel. (707) 259-0993

The 2006 Shiraz Fromm Family Vineyard is a glass-coating opaque purple color. It exhibits a nose of smoky new oak, lavender, Asian spices, blueberry, and licorice. Dense, layered, and flavorful, it will continue to blossom for several more years and offer prime drinking through 2021. Yalumba has devoted considerable effort to bringing out the best in Viognier.Importer: Negociants USA, Napa, CA; tel. (707) 359-0993

Smooth and ripe, with a sharp edge to the mouthwatering cherry, plum and coffee flavors, hinting at sweet spices as the finish lingers. Drink now through 2014. 35 cases imported.??–HS??Region: Australia / Barossa Select to Add

Starts with leather, cedar and chocolate, then adds in plenty of cherry-berry fruit and some herbal notes. It’s full bodied and richly textured, with a long, lush finish that just lacks a little nuance. Drink now–2018.——J.C.(3/1/2010)—— 90