More reserved but no less brilliant, the 2017 Shiraz Lily's Garden comes from the McLaren Vale and spent 18 months in just 9% new French oak. Classic Syrah notes of dark black fruits, damp herbs, scorched earth, and obvious minerality give way to a medium to full-bodied beauty that is flawlessly balanced, textured, and seamless. It’s up with the finest vintages I’ve tasted of this cuvée and will keep for upwards of a decade.

The 2017 Lily's Garden Shiraz is marked by ripe cherry fruit and herbal undertones. Hints of thyme and mint appear on the nose, while the medium to full-bodied palate is creamy and ripe, turning silky on the finish. This is one of the few Garden series wines where the oak is evident, but it's still well blended with the rest of the wine, showing up as just a bit of additional structure.- JC

Intense wild berry and plum notes are accented by sage, bay leaf and brown sugar nuances, set on a thick and velvety frame. A detail of blood orange emerges on the finish. Drink now through 2029. 2,500 cases made, 700 cases imported. — MW