Immensely rich and ripe without a lot of weight with blackberry black cherry and a touch of bittersweet chocolate sailing through the finish unimpeded by more than a wisp of apparent tannin. Has power grace and charm in equal parts. Drink now through 2010. 600 cases made. –HS

The elegant 2001 Shiraz Sophie's Garden (250 cases) was aged in American oak of which 50% was new. Coming from Padthaway it appears tighter more structured and more European-styled than its siblings. Abundant quantities of black currant and blackberry fruit licorice spice and a hint of mint are followed by a tightly-knit full-bodied pure long Shiraz. It should drink well for 10-12 years.