3 | Wine | Shiraz / Syrah, $20 to $50

"A brooding bouquet of underbrush, mineral, spice box, blueberry, and blackberry. Packed and impeccably balanced, this savory, layered effort is surprisingly forward for its size."

"The fabulous 2011 Cornas Granite 30 is one of the great wines of the vintage. Elegant, with a black/blue color, sweet tannin and loads of spring flowers, crushed rocks, smoked game and blackberry fruit, this textured, loaded, supple, accessible 2011 should drink nicely for 15 or more years." -Robert Parker

"The power of the fruit is so enjoyable. It has a massive array of flavours, and awesome intensity but the thing that really finishes the wine off is the creamy layers and smooth mouth feel. It’s so voluptuous. Sweet, multi layered fruit, chocolate, fresh plum – a complete flavour spectrum."

"Smoke, game, black tea, incense, blueberry, and blackberry aromas compose the bouquet of this relatively forward, plush, pleasure-bent Syrah. It can be approached now and will continue to provide enjoyment through 2020."

"Surprisingly good, the medium-bodied 2008 Crozes-Hermitage exhibits aromas of tomato skin, roasted Provencal herbs, red and black currants, cherries, spice and earth. It should drink well for several years." -Robert Parker

"Very deep garnet-purple colored, the 2009 Shiraz has a pronounced nose of blackberry compote, blackcurrant cordial and chocolate box with touches of dried mulberries and mint. Concentrated on the medium to full bodied palate, the rich expressive fruit is nicely structured with firm chewy tannins and crisp acidity, finishing long."

"Good dark red. Aromas of blueberry, crushed black raspberry, brown spices, smoked meat, mocha and cocoa; smells like a northern Rhone wine from granite soil. Firm and energetic in the mouth, offering a nice balance of fresh dark fruits and smoky minerality. Bright acidity and a note of black pepper give the palate a zesty quality. Finishes lightly saline, juicy and persistent, with spicy tannins." -Stephen Tanzer

"A deep garnet-purple color and a perfumed nose of violets, red berry preserves, blueberry pie, kirsch, licorice and a touch of smoky bacon. Very full, rich and voluptuous in the mouth, it has a medium level of velvety tannins and crisp acid to balance the flesh, finishing long with some spice layers coming through."