2005 Lost Highway Project Shiraz/Roussanne Barossa Valley
($120; a 90/10 blend) Inky violet. Intensely floral scents of blackberry, cassis, mocha and candied licorice. Deep and chewy, with firmly structured dark berry and cherry flavors accompanied by cured tobacco and anise. Really stains the palate, finishing on a strong licorice note, with outstanding length.
2005 Lost Highway Project Shiraz/Marsanne Barossa Valley
($120; a 90/10 blend) Dark purple. Rich dark berry and kirsch on the nose, with a strong graphite accent. Lush, creamy and deep, with powerful, liqueur-like blackberry and cassis flavors energized by a bright mineral jolt. Expands and gains in sweetness with air while maintaining an urgent, vibrant quality. Highly impressive stuff. These wines were made at Torbreck by Dave Powell. (Vine Street Imports, Philadelphia, PA)
