$16-$18

This opaque, chewy Shiraz from Australia's Hunter Valley is a collaborative effort of some of the region's top boutique wine producers. The aroma -- smoke, leather and candy-sweet cherries -- is like a face-off between black and red licorice. It's an easy drink now, thick and hot with a plummy-lemon tang and mellow tannins, but the makers and I agree that it's bound to soften with age. Give it a try with a garlic-studded leg of lamb or a meaty bowl of chili. Found at Cellars of River Ridge, Dorignac's, Whole Foods Market and Wine Seller. -- Roahen

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