R Wines Luchador Shiraz

[Recommended and tasted, but no tasting note given.]

Mixed aromas of vanilla, Christmas spices and brandied black cherries give an almost dessert-like impression, although the wine is technically dry. The texture is creamy and luxurious, and the wine is very easy to drink despite its considerable weight, balanced by a tart edge of acidity on the finish. Drink now–2012.

Polished and generous, offering a lively interplay of black cherry, licorice and dried tomato notes that make for a distinctive profile. Finishes with a mild grip of tannins. Drink now through 2013.

Labels rarely indicate the quality of the wine on which they appear, but this Australian Shiraz lives up to its colorful packaging by declaring that this is a “wine that will body slam your tongue.” Subtle, this wine is certainly not. A product of the always-entertaining and high-quality Australian outfit R Wines, Luchador is soft on tannins and strong on dark berry fruit, notes of chocolate and oak, and a characteristic smooth finish. The fruit is heavy and deep and accents the dark ruby coloring. Try it with (or without) a wrestling mask for maximum enjoyment.