Wishing Tree Shiraz 2005

Medium ruby. Brisk, racy, elegant aromas of fresh blackberry, cassis and dark cherry. Very much about fruit, with no herbal edges. Firm, juicy, structured finish emphasizes tangy cherry fruit.

Bright and lively, with a crisp edge to the ripe blackberry, cherry and white pepper flavors, which lifts the finish beautifully. Drink now through 2007.

Dark red. Youthfully vibrant aromas of smoky red berries and cherry, accented by hints of licorice and tobacco; quite complex for the price. Lush and round, with the red fruit flavors taking on weight with air. Finishes with an impression of sweet strawberry preserves firmed by a dusty herbal element. An impressive value.

These are very fine values put together by innovative importer John Larchet. Another fruit-laden cuvee, the 2004 Shiraz is a blend of two-thirds Western Australia Shiraz (a cooler climate) and one-third from South Australia. Aged completely in old wood, it is a delicious fruity, tarry, blackberry, and cassis-scented and flavored red. Although not complex, it will offer a savory, juicy mouthful of Shiraz over the next 1ndash;2 years.

The 2005 Shiraz includes 12% Clare Valley fruit. Dark ruby, it offers an aromatic array of spice box, pepper, red cherry, and blueberry. Restrained on the palate, this medium-bodied wine is made in a racy style with good depth and length. Drink it over the next 3ndash;4 years.

A medium-bodied Shiraz that shows ample freshness and spice, not the jammy character often associated with this price point.