1995 The Magpie Estate Shiraz "The Malcolm". Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia. 16.5% alcohol. $400. 100 cases made.
The talented Rolf Binder made this wine from sixty year old vines that yielded just one ton of fruit per acre. Previously this vineyard was the source for early Three Rivers Shiraz. Currently Torbreck uses it for some of its top cuvées. Inscrutably deep color with a huge, porty nose of butterscotch, heat, and candied plum. Thick, powerful tannin is combined with plenty of acid. The aromatic profile continues in the mouth. Fine length. A dead ringer for a “dry” Taylor’s Vintage Port which is not close to maturity. Drink 2010 to 2025. 92 points.

I wonder about the drinking window on this wine. I've had it several times over the years and it used to be quite different than these notes - fruity and youthful. Will it get better? Or, is it beginning to decline?

That's a good question. When I spoke to Jeremy Oliver about this wine he claimed it was dead already. I certainly disagree with his conclusion - it should be able to last no problem imo. Whether it gets better or not is a different matter entirely. I suspect that it is something akin to a Turley Hayne Zinfandel. What does your gut tell you Bob?

Let's just open another one!

I think that is a heck of a good idea!

I had one of these about 12 months ago and it was glorious and at its peak, I doubt it would get any better.