1996 Barossa Valley Estate Ebenezer Shiraz -- licorice and berry nose; full-bodied, velvety texture; VERY spicy/peppery, with blackberry and plum fruit, licorice/anise and hints of chocolate and coffee in the background; medium-long finish with cedary tastes lingering. Hides 14% alcohol very well. I get the sense that the fruit would have been in better balance with the spice a year or two ago; I had 2bottles within a week, and both were identical. This won't benefit with more time in the bottle. App. 90-1 pts.

Fine match with grilled tenderloin in pepper sauce.