Smooth, polished and elegant, brimming with red and black cherry, raspberry and coffee flavors, lingering against beautifully buffed tannins on the supple, extensive finish. Enticing and graceful. Worthy of cellaring. Drink now through 2020. 500 cases made. –HS

(93+) Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2009 “Zippy’s Block” Shiraz reveals notes of warm cassis, crushed blackberries, blueberry compote and black plums with underlying nuances of earth, black pepper, tree bark and salami. Very full bodied and densely packed with dark fruit and savory flavors, it has a seductively supple structure of velvety tannins and medium to high acidity, finishing long. Approachable now, it will reward cellaring and drink to 2020+. -Lisa Perrotti-Brown