Tir Na N’Og, McLaren Vale (South Australia, Australia) Grenache Old Vines 2006

($32, Australian Premium Wine Collection): The tongue twisting name–‘land of youth’ in the aboriginal language–should not prevent you for buying this wine.  Not for the faint of heart, this wine’s ripe strawberry-like fruit flavor and its heady effect make a paradoxical combination that actually works with robust wintertime fare.  A pleasant spice-like kick seems perfectly in keeping with the wine’s overall high-toned styled. 87 Michael Apstein Jan 27, 2009