The 2018 Cabernet Shiraz Whalebone Vineyards is firm and savory in the mouth initially, before the tannins give way to a pool of flavor that floods the back palate. This is a leafy Cabernet, with a baritone of plush Shiraz, both of which come together in the mouth in a smooth flow of flavor. These wines age very gracefully over time, and for this reason, I know it will be better in a few years from now.

Marked by mint and cassis on the nose, the 2017 Cabernet Shiraz Whalebone Vineyard becomes more Shiraz-like on the palate, where it adds cherry-berry fruit and a relaxed, generous feel on the medium to full-bodied palate. Silky tannins sneak in to give a pleasant soft dustiness to the finish. It's a solid effort, but it lacks the aromatic fireworks of the Cab Franc Merlot blend.

Medium to deep garnet colored, the 2009 Whalebone Vineyard Cabernet Shiraz reveals an evolving nose of creme de cassis, dried mulberries and blackberry preserves with nuances Indian spices, mocha and sandalwood. Medium-bodied with a good core of maturing black fruit preserve and spice flavors, it is supported by chewy tannins and crisp acid before finishing long and drying. Drink it now to 2018+. Imported by Palm Bay Imports, Port Washington, NY; tel. 800-872-5622

Whalebone Vineyard is a cooler-climate vineyard in Wrattonbully (just north of Coonawarra) planted in 1974. The soil here is terra rossa over 36 million year-old limestone. Blended of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Shiraz and 10% Cabernet Franc, 2006 Whalebone Vineyard Cabernet Shiraz has a medium-deep garnet color and gamey / meaty aromas with an undercurrent of dried plums, kirsch, creme de cassis and underbrush plus a whiff of choco-mint. Full bodied with just enough expressive berry flesh, it offers a high level of grainy tannins, crisp acidity and a long finish that nicely combines fruit and savory layers. Delicious now, it should continue to drink well to 2020+. Tapanappa is a joint venture established in 2002 between the highly regarded winemaker / viticulturalist Brian Croser (ex Petaluma), Bollinger Champagne House and Jean-Michel Cazes from Chateau Lynch Bages. The simple, commendable focus here is on single vineyard wines adeptly forged from the ripe fruit of mature vines.Tiers Vineyard is a single vineyard planted in the Piccadilly Valley of Adelaide Hills at 450m altitude. It’s claimed to be cooler climate than Burgundy with unique 1.5 billion year-old calc-silicate rocks outcropping in the vineyard. Importer: Palm Bay Imports, Port Washington, NY. Tel. 1 800 872 5622