The 2002 Shiraz Magill Estate (a single vineyard cuvee whose debut vintage was 1983) spent 15 months in primarily new French oak and some larger American hogsheads. It possesses sweet aromas of vanillin, white chocolate, cassis, and flowers. Medium to full-bodied, expansive, pure, and nicely textured, this complex beauty is somewhat European in its restraint and elegance. Enjoy it over the next 10-15 years. Importer: PWG Vintners, Napa, CA; tel. (707) 996-4504

Medium ruby. Strong oak spice aromas of clove, cinnamon, nutmeg and bourbony vanilla accent ripe plum and dark cherry fruit notes. Big and rich on the palate, with tarry dark chocolate and cassis flavors on a big oak-spicy framework. The persistent finish is plenty sweet but the vanillin quality is ominous. But then thisshirazis very young today.