Wakefield, Clare Valley (Australia) Shiraz 2012

 Though it’s not exactly cheap, or even modest in price, the St. Andrews Vineyard Shiraz from Wakefield routinely ranks high in the red-wine value category. This is a blockbuster Shiraz in 2012, and a bit of a rarity in that it achieves its layered complexity and power without an excessive level of alcohol (14.5 percent). It exhibits layers of ripe blackberry and blueberry fruit, richness without heat and weight, and smooth, supple tannins that make it enjoyable without need for additional age, though it certainly has the right stuff to improve over the next eight to 10 years.