Powerful and concentrated, this Shiraz is seemingly imbued with the essence of dark fruit, framed by well-managed oak. Cedar, mint and cassis notes are a bit Cabernet-like, but the structure is pure Shiraz, broader and suppler than Cabernet, with a rich texture and a long finish. Drink now–2025. JOE CZERWINSKI

Aged 20 months in 300-liter hogsheads of varied age, of which 96% was French and 4% American oak, the 2010 McLaren Vale Shiraz is deep garnet-purple in the glass with intense notes of crushed blackberries and wild blueberries with underlying hints of violet, clove and star anise. Full-bodied with plenty of taut, muscular black berry and spice flavors that are supported by medium to firm grainy tannins and lively acid, it finishes long with some black pepper notes. Approachable now, this wine should drink to 2020+. -LPB