The impressive, dark ruby/purple-colored 1998 Shiraz possesses admirable levels of fruit and extract in addition to copious quantities of toasty wood. The 1998 Shiraz Rayner Vineyard (a 14.5% alcohol wine made from a dry farmed Shiraz vineyard) is beefy and potent. Licorice, blackberries, pepper, earth, and sweet oak are abundantly present in this full-bodied, impressively constituted, rich Shiraz. The finish is long and intense. Tight, with noticeable acidity and high tannin, it requires 1-2 years of cellaring. Anticipated maturity: 2001-2014. Imported by The Australian Premium Wine Collection, John Larchet, USA Wine West, LLC, San Rafael, CA; phone: (800)-485-5753 and Chicago Brands, Chicago, IL; tel. (312) 466-9300.