Long among our favorite recommendations for great value in Australian Shiraz, the recently released 2008 vintage of Jim Jim [ The Down-Underdog ] Shiraz has us all über-excited here in beautiful downtown Austin, Texas. Jim Jim Shiraz is famously produced by Hugh Hamilton Wines, who are based in the township of McLaren Vale, some 22 miles (that's about 37km) from the center of Adelaide, sister city of Austin, Texas. "Jim Jim" is actually the winery dog, half Labrador and half Kelpie, revered for his people skills as well as his good taste in grapes, Shiraz being his favorite. Deep purple in color, with aromas suggestive of mulberry, black cherry and shaved chocolate; soft and round and generous on the tongue, with flavor that lasts all warm and friendly-like.