The fruit for the 2005 Shiraz came from nearly 100 year old vines and spent 36 months in seasoned French barriques. Deep garnet-purple colored, it is vibrant and floral at this stage with notes of chocolate, creme de cassis, game, mint and anise. The palate is fine and complex, with a good backbone of high acid, medium level of fine-grained tannins and a long harmonious finish. It’s drinking now and should continue to do so until 2020+. -Lisa Perrotti-Brown

Cellar Selection. If Standish's Relic is the feminine side of Shiraz, this is in a more masculine vein, with slightly coarser tannins and more weight, but still possessing great intensity without any heaviness. Cassis, blueberry and black olive flavors are tinged with hints of asphalt and espresso, leading into a warm, lingering finish. Drink now-2025.

While this started out slightly reserved and tight, with air, the 2005 Standish Wine Company Shiraz "The Standish" opened up to show fantastic, decadent fruit paired with a beautiful, lush palate. Cassis, blackberry, sweet oak and meaty aromas lead into a full bodied palate that is balanced, decadent and long and despite the lush fruit, there's solid structure and tannin coming through on the long finish.