The cork, the Surgeon General's warning on the back label, and the declaration that the wine has not been fined or filtered tells you where most of this wine is headed; the palate underlines the likely destination, with layers of ripe and rich blackberry, licorice and plum fruit; the tannins are ripe, the oak controlled.

Deep garnet colored with a touch of brick tones, the 2008 Noble Baron Shiraz has notes of mature mulberries, kirsch and dried plum notes over sandalwood, tobacco, potpourri and baking spices. Full bodied, richly fruited and mature in the mouth, it has a medium to firm level of rounded tannins, enlivening acid and a long, layered finish. Drink it now and over the next 5-7 years. - LPB