tahbilk, one of australia's historic wineries, has turned out a velvety-textured shiraz named for one of the company's long-time winemakers. this is a medium-bodied, yet velvety-soft shiraz that boasts plenty of intensity. if its blackberry, licorice and vanilla flavors develop more complexity over the next few years, the 89 rating may seem stingy.
Eric Stevens Purbrick