Australian Cab-Shiraz (MY Times, 3/22/06)

Tasting Report: Fruity Combinations That Please the Masses

Yalumba Signature Barossa 1999
$45
***
Thick, tannic and complex, with lots of juicy fruit, good structure and lingering flavors. (Importer: Negociants USA, Napa, Calif.)

BEST VALUE
Oxford Landing Eden Valley 2003
$7
**½
A bright, enjoyable crowd pleaser; smells like cabernet, tastes like shiraz. (Negociants USA, Napa, Calif.)

Stonehaven South Eastern Australia 2003
$9
**
Restrained and pleasing, with good fruit and backbone. (Banfi Vintners, Old Brookville, N.Y.)

Salomon Estate Norwood 2002
$12
**
Fresh, fruity and juicy, with a silky texture. (Testa Wines of the World, Port Washington, N.Y.)

Coriole Vineyards Redstone McLaren Vale 2001
$9
**
Dense fruit, with mint, herbal and oak flavors; put together well. (Robert Whale Selections, Washington, D.C.)

J. J. Hahn Reginald Barossa Valley 2002
$33
**
Lots of bright fruit with equally pronounced flavors of oak; tastes expensive. (Weygandt-Metzler, Unionville, Pa.)

Penfolds Bin 389 South Australia 2001
$22
**
Tannic, with flavors of raspberries, flowers and anise. (PWG Vintners USA, Napa, Calif.)

Barwick Blackwood Valley 2000
$9
*½
Somewhat simple, with flavors of sour cherry and eucalyptus. (Great Sunsan Wine Imports, New York)

Rosemount Estate Mountain Blue Mudgee 1999
$50
*½
Both a fruit bomb and an oak bomb. (Rosemount Estates, Sonoma, Calif.)

Leasingham Magnus Clare Valley 2002
$16
*½
Big, thick and fruity with noticeable tannins and acidity. (International Cellars, Gonzales, Calif.)