The 1999 Shiraz Hanisch boasts an inky purple color as well as a terrific nose of jammy black fruits intermixed with licorice, new saddle leather, and pepper. Full-bodied and seamless, with exceptional concentration and purity, this large-scaled yet well-balanced wine should drink well for 10-12 years. It is far more evolved and accessible than the 1998 or 1996 were at similar ages. Anticipated maturity: now-2012.

This offering is a testament to the brilliant winemaker, Rolf Binder, who believes in (1) whole berry fermentation, (2) large open-top fermenters, and (3) sweet, sweet tannin. To quote Binder, "winemaking adds very little, but terroir is 125% of the quality."