1997 Seven Peaks California Shiraz, Central Coast

A California Shiraz? That’s what the Central Coast estate Seven Peaks Winery is calling its Australian-style Syrah. A gorgeous deep red in color, it has sweet candied high notes and an immediate hit of spiciness, berries and plenty of oak. A curious hybrid of Australian style and California grapes grown in Paso Robles, this is heady stuff, one more to add to your Syrah files.

About $14. Available at Wally’s, (310) 475-0606, and The Wine House, (310) 479-3731, in West L.A., Hi-Time Wine Cellars, (949) 650-8463, in Costa Mesa, Wine Exchange, (714) 974-1454, in Orange, and at San Diego Wine Co., (858) 535-1400, in San Diego, among others. If you can’t find this wine, have your local retailer contact the distributor, Wine Warehouse, at (800) 331-2829.