es

Five grapes comprise this luscious, intense, well-rounded wine that offers jolting aromas of black cherry, violets and mineral. Fairly plump and succulent relative to the field, with moderate tannins amplifying flavors of black plum, berries, chocolate and wood. Already easy to drink and will hit its prime in 2006. Imported by Jorge Ordo?ez/Fine Estates from es.

de

Easily mixes melon and slate scents on the nose, then blends in pear flavors on the palate. Just off-dry ( trocken doesn't necessarily mean bone- dry), with weight and body provided by relatively high (12.5%) alcohol. Turns pleasantly spicy on the finish. Imported by Magellan Wine Imports.

au

A spitfire of a Shiraz. High-toned blackberry and black cherry flavors have undertones of coffee and mocha. As nice as the flavors and aromas of fresh earth and cola are, the acids stick out some, giving the palate a prickly feel. Would easily have reached the next decile otherwise. Imported by Click Wine Group.

US

Fans of oak will exult over this spicy, Burgundian wine. It's slathered with char, honey, butterscotch and vanilla. Still, there's some rich pineapple fruit underneath, and good acidity.

US

This Cabernet-Syrah blend is obviously very ripe, packed with black cherry and chocolate flavors, with interesting herb and pepper notes. There's a nice edge of tan nins and acids. Sophisticated and intricate, it will pair well with lamb or beef.

es

Piercing and pungent, with a bit of alcohol on the nose as well as campfire smoke and citrus zest. Smoky and round on the palate, with big-time nuttiness and plenty of mushroom. A condensed, explosive Sherry that hits hard. Imported by CIV/USA.

es

Initially it's like a pungent strip of fresh-cut oak laid on a bed of leather, but airing reveals black cherry and blueberry flavors and a couple layers of warmth and style. Very nice weight and balance. A little oaky on the nose, but overall it's more than commendable. Imported by Vinamericas Selections.

au

Such a juicy wine. Well-ripened plums, blackberries and raspberries dominate the palate, though here and on the nose there are tea and earth accents, too. Takes on hints of anise with air. Drinking well now. Imported by Orientale Imports LLC.

US

Here's a Pinot that delivers plenty of upfront cherry fruit to the palate, but maintains a dignified elegance and lightness of body. The fruit flavors are complexed by oak, while high acidity adds a clean minerality. Finishes with a real stamp of quality.

es

From Condes de Albarei, this wine is solid and round, with aromas of petrol and scented oil. Peach, orange and herb flavors are good and go the distance. Fresh and acidic, with correct feel and weight. Imported by CIV/USA.

US

Released together with the '02, and a shade more concentrated in grapefruits, with richer notes of figs and honeydew melon. It's a totally dry, clean wine with a zesty finish.

US

Very soft and velvety in texture, but also very ripe, this Pinot is easy to like. It has exuberant flavors of cherries, chocolate and spice that linger into the finish.

US

Here's a nice blush wine. It's got a pretty salmon color and intense flavors of raspberries and cherries, and is dry. For something offbeat, try with sushi.

US

Over the top, with its heavy plaster of oak, and a flatness that no amount of fruit, which this wine has in spades, can overcome.

US

Another great value from Canyon Road for its bountiful cherry and blackberry fruit and overall balance. Finishes with an oaky sweetness.

US

A big-boned, exuberant Zin, ripe and tannic, with flavors that bring to mind wild berries growing in briar patches. Very dry and a bit hot.

US

So ripe, it explodes, filling the mouth with intense black currant flavors. The fruit is sweet, but the wine is technically dry, and pretty tannic, too. A bit awkward now. Try holding for a few years.

US

Lots of fresh grapefruit, apricot, peach, wildflower and spice flavors in this crisp, clean wine. The complex m lange of flavors keeps it fun.

US

Fruity, floral, slightly sweet, a little spritzy, crisp in acidity, and clean. That about says it all for this easy wine. Try it with fresh fruit, or by itself as an ap ritif.

US

Smells sharp and raw, and tastes young and fresh, a juvenile wine with hard acids and primary, grapy flavors. Finishes dry and tart. Should be better with a year or two of aging.