1. Tyrrell’s Stevens Hunter Shiraz 2009 -- Robert Parker 92 -- ~$60

Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2009 Single Vineyard Stevens Shiraz presents youthfully muted, moderately intense aromas of ripe blackberry and black cherries with an undercurrent of vanilla pod, milk chocolate and cinnamon stick. The medium-bodied palate reveals a more earthy / savory side, with a solid structure of firm, grainy tannins and crisp acid. It has a long spicy / savory finish. Still very young, consider drinking this one 2014-2022+

2. Mr. Riggs The Gaffer Shiraz 2010 -- Robert Parker 90 -- ~$20

Aged for 12 months in French oak, 30% new, the 2010 'The Gaffer' Shiraz has a very deep garnet-purple color and pronounced black fruits, black currant and mocha nose with hints of bacon, cinnamon stick and loam. Full bodied and richly fruited in the mouth, it is well balanced by crisp acid and a medium level of velvety tannins, finishing long and savory. Drink it now to 2017

3. Jacob’s Creek Reserve Barossa Shiraz 2012 -- Wine Spectator 89 -- ~$13

Dark and polished, with spice and sassafras notes weaving through the blackberry and black olive flavors, finishing with restraint. Drink now through 2018

4. Layer Cake Shiraz 2012 -- ~$17

Winemaker Tasting Notes: The aromas of cocoa, warm spice and dark fruit are very powerful from the first whiff. In the mouth, the wine is layered with rich blackberry, dark cherries and hints of dark, creamy chocolate ganache. The finish lingers on, hanging on your palette while the fruit and spice flavors slowly change and fade. This vintage is classic Layer Cake Shiraz in all its glory.

5. Mollydooker Carnival of Love Shiraz 2011 -- Wine Spectator 94 -- ~$80

Dense, deep and complex, offering a cascade of cherry, blueberry and clotted cream flavors, with a whole range of spices on a plush texture. This has an arresting presence and finishes with pizzazz.

6. Two Way Range Shiraz 2002 -- Robert Parker 94 -- ~$60 (Not in photo)

This big, boisterous, exuberant 2002 is a classic Barossa Valley Shiraz. An inky/ruby/purple color is followed by a knock-out nose of smoke, earth, blackberries, and vanilla. Produced from low yields of 1.5 tons of fruit per acre, and aged in both new and old French hogsheads, it is no shy wine at 15.5% alcohol. It will drink well for 7-10 years. The name, Two Way Range, comes from two guys who fought on behalf of Australia with the United States in Vietnam, and referred to their service in that country as a firing range that fired from both sides.

7. d’Arenberg The Dead Arm Shiraz 2001 -- Robert Parker 98 -- ~$100

Readers should be on the look out for the 2001 The Dead Arm Shiraz, one of the greatest examples of this cuvee. Its dense black/purple color is accompanied by celestial aromas of melted licorice, graphite, blackberries, cassis, incense, anise, and toasty oak. Fabulously concentrated, with great purity, an unctuous, viscous texture, and an amazingly long, 60-second plus finish, this fabulous baby will need 5-6 years of cellaring, and should drink well over the following 20-25 years.