($15, Vineyard Brands): The name, The Left Bank, presumably alludes to Bordeaux, but the blend there never includes Shiraz, which comprises a third of this wine–the remainder being Cabernet Sauvignon (57%) and Merlot.  (Chateau Palmer started producing a wine in 2004–called Historical XIX Century–that includes Shiraz in the blend, but can not be labeled Bordeaux, only Vin de Table).  Ellis’ Left Bank is packed with fresh fruit, but does not come across as grapey and simple because there’s a bit of spice and mild supporting tannins.  Forward and easy to drink, the juicy black fruit flavors do not, thankfully, become jammy. 87 Michael Apstein Oct 21, 2008