Just returned from a trip to Florida. Met up with many old friends from Down Under. We all enjoyed the '99 deBortoli Noble One. A lovely time was had by all.
But, I digress....
I received a bottle of the '96 Magpie Estate The Malcolm shortly after its release back in late '98, I believe. Not much of this stuff made it to The States, so I haven't run into anyone here who has actually tasted it.
I do know it's something like 17 gazillion percent alcohol, so I'm wondering: should I even bother to try to match it with food, or, just whip out a couple good Cubans and drink it like Port?
Any notes will be most appreciated.
Steve
"Don't let the past remind us of what we are not now."
Hi Doc,
The Magpie Est. is a partnership btwn. Binder & Noel(an English merchant who post here frequently)
Mind you, Binder's wines are never OTT(over the top) big and intense but balance. Yet to come across any that is overiped or porty
MC
<i>"If our life on earth is so short, why not live every day as if it were our last. This is the path to happiness and spiritual enlightenment"
Omar Khayyam 1048 -1122</b>
Purchased a swag of this on release. Last tasted it 2001, when the new oak was still evident. Quite similar to the Hanisch, but a step up, and a step below the Three Rivers. I would have a look about 2006.
Rated it 95pts three years ago, and I'll bet it is a point or two better now.
No wonder RP likes it...Looks like he only likes BIG, FAT, PLUMMY and high in alcohol. If it has a 17% alc/vol, wouldn't they classified or consider as a port instead of wine?
16.7% for the record and a RP 99!! I know i am biased as i had a big hand in the making of the wine with Rolf. I showed it a tasting to wine trade professionals MW's, journo's etc all of whom were telling me how much they disliked big OTT Shiraz. I opened the Malcolm 1996 and it blew them away, it's big yet beautifully balanced-it was universally lauded. I also showed the Three Rivers 1993, which was OK, a Draycott Reserve 1998 which was fantastic, and a Hanisch 1995.
I would say the Malcolm 1996 is just entering it's drinking window, now and over the next 10 years depending how you like your wine. I think if you like fruit and integrated oak, drink it this decade.
Isn't it becoming tiresome that all high alcohol reds from Australia are being tarred with the same undrinkabel brush. All out about vineyard, vintage and season, then winemakers who know what they are doing. Was at Warrabilla with Rolf in January and we thought their Durif's amazing, obviously huge but not hot or out of balance.
Hope it helps
Noel Young
Magpie Estate
Noel wrote:Isn't it becoming tiresome that all high alcohol reds from Australia are being tarred with the same undrinkabel brush. All out about vineyard, vintage and season, then winemakers who know what they are doing. Was at Warrabilla with Rolf in January and we thought their Durif's amazing, obviously huge but not hot or out of balance. Hope it helps Noel Young Magpie Estate
Noel,
Thanks for the notes!
As I only have one bottle, I'm looking for the right time, and the right setting for popping the cork.
I am a fan of Rolf's wines. I have the '96 Hanisch sleeping in the cellar and have also consumed numerous bottles of the Christa Rolf.
I am not averse to high alcohol, unfortified wines, esp. Oz Shiraz (as my wife will gladly attest!). There are, however, better settings than others for enjoying these wines.
Thanks, again.
Steve
"Don't let the past remind us of what we are not now."
