2 | Wine | Shiraz / Syrah, 86 to 90

"Smooth and velvety, with a fresh, lively feel to the blueberry and plum flavors. A hint of nutmeg marks the finish."

"High-pitched aromas of boysenberry, blueberry and violet. A juicy, velvet-textured fruit bomb, with jammy dark berry flavors enlivened by a hint of white pepper. Not the last word in complexity but offers a load of expressive black and blue fruit, finishing with ripe, smooth tannins and good length."

"Fresh and refreshing, with pretty plum and floral flavors on a spacious frame, lingering without weightiness."

"Distinctly primary scents of blackberry and mulberry, with smoke and game notes gaining strength with air. Youthfully reduced but shows good intensity and jammy dark fruit character. Finishes with good peppery bite and lingering sweetness."

"Smooth, velvety and appealing for its juicy blackberry and cherry flavors, zinging through the lively, wet earth-tinged finish."

"The 2010 Thomas Hyland Shiraz displays a deep garnet-purple color and aromas of ripe blackberry and cherry preserves plus hints of bacon, pepper, tree bark and cedar. Concentrated and taut on the medium-bodied palate, it has crisp acidity and a medium level of grainy tannins, finishing long."

"Inky purple. Ripe plum and cherry on the nose, with complicating spice and dark chocolate qualities. Offers an array of dark fruit flavors that show very good depth and a touch of cracked pepper. Soft tannins add grip to a long, smooth finish. Serve this hefty wine with assertively seasoned grilled beef or lamb."

"Bright violet color. Powerfully scented with blackberry and blueberry, with a more serious licorice character coming up in the glass. Flavors of dark berries, bitter cherry and mocha show both depth and verve, sweetened by a touch of vanilla. Gains firmness with air and finishes with good clarity and length. Definitely shows the polish I've come to expect from a Ben Riggs wine."

"Perfumed if slightly reduced aromas of black cherry, red berries, pepper and spices. Smooth, candied flavors of red fruits, spices and pepper offer moderate flesh but surprising freshness. Conveys an impression of slightly elevated acidity."

"Glass-staining ruby. Smoke- and spice-accented aromas of cassis, cherry-cola and candied licorice show very good energy and a peppery nuance. Sweet, expansive and lively, offering potent dark fruit flavors and showing silky, seamless texture. Lingers on a spicy note, with excellent focus and tenacity."