It is rare to come across an Australian shiraz that reflects even a glimmer of the character that same grape, under the name syrah, develops on the rocky cliffs of Cote Rotie in the Rhone Valley. But this exquisite and reasonably priced red wine - a collaboration of importer Anthony J. Terlato and Rhone wine genius Michel Chapoutier - comes about as close as one could hope for. Its pure, penetrating black raspberry and black pepper flavors are the real deal, and the wine is softened (as it is in Cote Rotie) by the addition of a dollop of wine from the white viognier grape. Superb.

2007 Terlato & Chapoutier Shiraz-Viognier

From: Victoria, Australia

Price: $19

Serve with: Standing rib of beef, lamb loin