Shirvington's 2008 Shiraz gives a deep garnet-purple color and intense notes of warm black cherries and black raspberries over anise, chocolate box, allspice and vanilla pod. Very full-bodied and concentrated with 16% declared alcohol, this is a big mouthful yet well balanced with crisp acidity and medium-firm fine tannins, finishing long. Approachable now, it should blossom with another couple of years in bottle and drink through 2020+. Importer: Quintessential Wines, Napa, CA; tel. (914) 725-3479.