The 2005 Shiraz includes 9% Cabernet Sauvignon and was aged for 24 months in 70% new French and American oak. Purple colored, the nose exhibits notes of pain grille, spice box, scorched earth, mineral, and blueberry. On the palate it reveals a racy, elegant personality, a smooth-texture, spicy fruit, good depth, and a long finish. It will drink well over the next eight years. The owner/winemaker of Gibson Wines is Rob Gibson who left Penfolds to start his own winery.Importer: The Country Vintner; www.countryvintner.com.au

A multi-regional blend of 96% Shiraz and 4% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2004 Shiraz reveals abundant amounts of sweet blueberry and blackberry fruit intermixed with notions of creosote and toasty oak. Well-made and medium to full-bodied with sweet tannin and low acidity, it will drink well for 5-7 years. Importer: Dan Philips, The Grateful Palate, Oxnard, CA; tel. (888) 472-5283

This is a spice-driven Shiraz, powered by peppery, savory notes that keep the rich blueberry fruit flavors moving across the palate. Tannins are ripe, imparting a creamy texture in the mouth, while the finish shows flourishes of dusty earth and spice. Drink now–2014 or beyond.——J.C.(11/1/2007)—— 91

Made from younger vines, the full-bodied, ripe, well-endowed, heady 2003 Shiraz exhibits earthy blackberry/chocolate notes, a touch of sweet earth, and a full-throttle finish. Although it is the least complex of this quartet, it is substantial in the mouth. Importer: Dan Philips, The Grateful Palate, Oxnard, CA; tel. (888) 472-5283