Too much bitter, biting chalky character gets in the way of this medium-weight red. 540 cases made, 300 cases imported.??–HS??Region: Australia / Fleurieu Select to Add

This elegant red appears to have been inspired by classic European rather than South Australian winemaking. The 2003 Shiraz is a terrific, tightly-knit offering that has more in common with a Cote Rotie than most Australian Shiraz. Aged in 20% new 500 liter French puncheons, and 80% neutral wood, it reveals a floral nose of violets, honeysuckle, black raspberries, and cassis. Boasting extraordinary elegance and complexity as well as an opulent, multi-layered palate, good acidity, and a ripe, heady finish, this beauty can be drunk now and over the next 7-8 years. Importer: Ken Onish & John Gorman, Southern Starz, Huntington Beach, CA; tel. (714) 892-3030

This superb, Cote Rotie-styled Shiraz offers delicious notes of bacon fat, creme de cassis, tapenade, and spicy oak. Aged in 500 liter French hogsheads (20% new), it is an elegant yet authoritatively flavorful effort revealing a wonderful texture as well as a rich, long finish. Enjoy it now and over the next 5-8 years.Importer: Ken Onish & John Gorman, Southern Starz, Huntington Beach, CA; tel. (714) 892-3030

Supple in texture, tangy with a sharp touch of acidity to balance the mint, pepper and cherry flavors, more Rh?ne-like than Aussie. Drink now through 2006. 800 cases made.??–HS??Region: Australia / Fleurieu Select to Add

The 2001 Shiraz Fleurieu reveals surprising elegance for a South Australia wine as well as a bouquet of sweet blackberries and currants intermixed with hints of licorice, camphor, and damp earth. With beautiful texture, elegance, and a medium to full-bodied finish with well-integrated tannin and acidity, it should drink well for 5-7 years. Importer: Ken Onish & John Gorman, Southern Starz, Huntington Beach, CA; tel. (714) 892-3030