2005 De Lisio "Krystina" Shiraz McLaren Vale (Elsewhere $40)

92-94 points Robert Parker: "The 2005 Shiraz Krystina (named after Tony De Lisio’s wife) is a 100% Shiraz from relatively young vines planted on one of the limestone and slate sectors of McLaren Vale. Seventy percent new French oak was utilized, and the wine, which was going to bottled unfiltered about one month after I tasted it, exhibits a sweet nose of blackberries, raspberries, smoke, camphor, and graphite. Full-bodied, rich, and intense with sweet but noticeable tannin, a firm structure, and an accessible style, it should age for 12-15 years." (10/06) 92 points Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar: "Saturated ruby. Intensely aromatic nose features explosive blackberry, cassis and cherry-cola scents underscored by vanilla and mocha. Suave and velvety in the mouth, with deep berry preserve flavors and no rough edges. Where are the tannins? This supple and strikingly concentrated shiraz boasts excellent finishing thrust and persistence. And there's terrific energy here to counter the lush, sweet berry fruit, giving this considerable appeal." (Jul/Aug '07) 90 point Wine Spectator: "Tight in texture, showing juicy blackberry flavors against lively acidity, with hints of mocha and spice as the finish lingers. Best from 2008 through 2015." (09/07)