My favorite of the Garden Series is the 2007 Shiraz Lily’s Garden from McLaren Vale. Purple-colored, it has an enticing perfume of balsam wood, lavender, incense, pepper, bacon, and blueberry. With excellent grip and balance, this smooth-textured, savory Shiraz will improve over the next 2-3 years and drink well through 2020. Michael Twelftree’s Two Hands negociant label is solid but not quite up to the standards established by the past several years because of the challenging 2007 and 2008 vintages in South Australia. The wines are discussed in the order in which they were presented. The Garden Series is designed to highlight Shiraz from a diversity of appellations (or GIs as they are known in Australia).

Ripe and peppery, with a spicy note weaving over the black cherry, dried tomato, licorice and mint flavors that keep pulsing through the long, expressive finish. Best from 2010 through 2017. 3,500 cases made, 1,500 cases imported.??–HS??Region: Australia / McLaren Vale Select to Add

Somewhat precariously balanced at 15.7% alcohol, this may not turn out to be the most long-lived Shiraz, but it is delicious for current consumption. The tannins are soft and creamy in texture, while the blueberry and black berry fruit is intensely concentrated, tinged with nuances of vanilla, menthol and chocolate.