Bright ruby. Smoky cherry and dark chocolate on the nose, with a bright hint of fresh rose. Spicy, tightly wound red berry flavors gain depth with air, picking up bitter chocolate and candied violet notes. Tangy red- and blackcurrant flavors dominate the long, juicy finish, which displays noteworthy clarity and persistence. (JR)

The dark ruby/purple-hued 2005 Shiraz Valley Floor (which sees all American oak) reveals more spice, vanillin, and toasty characteristics without the complexity of its less expensive sibling. It is a straightforward yet impressively deep, rich, pure Shiraz... (RP)

Langmeil's entry-level Shiraz is an impressive effort, combining bright aromatics and bold flavors of mulberries, blackberries and raspberries, then framing them with subtle undertones of vanilla. The texture is creamy and ultrasmooth, turning crisp and a bit tart on the finish. (JC)