Aged slightly longer (21 months) in 300 liter hogsheads, of which 97% was French and 3% American, the 2010 The Vicar Shiraz is very deep purple-black in color and has a youthful nose with slightly restrained aromas of blackberries and black plums over hints of pepper, spice box, yeast extract, earth and underbrush plus a whiff of lavender. Full-bodied and tightly knit in the mouth, it is solidly built with firm, grainy tannins and a good line of acid cutting through the densely packed, concentrated flavors that finish with excellent length. Consider drinking it from 2015 to 2025+. Importer: American Estates Wines, Summit, NJ; tel. (908) 273-5060