2008 Piping Shrike Shiraz, Barossa (750ml)

Another perennial Best Buy, the 2008 Piping Shrike Shiraz continues the tradition. Made at the excellent Charles Cimicky winery, it was aged for 14 months in a mix of French and American oak with 35% of the latter new. It offers up a fragrant nose of smoke, bacon, and blueberry leading to a supple, smooth-textured sweetly-fruited, easy-going wine that could use a bit more depth. Drink this crowd-pleaser over the next 4-5 years. 89 points Robert Parker Wine Advocate # 186 (Dec 2009).