TN: Maxwell Wines Minotaur Shiraz 2013

[Waiters Friend]

G'day

I bought a couple of bottles of this as part of a mixed dozen, when I visited the winery in 2016. This is the first that I have opened since then - willpower? My tasting note at purchase was:

2013 Minotaur Shiraz is the flagship wine. It sees 50% new French oak, and is altogether a bigger animal. Big ripe plums, some vanilla and cedar, savouriness with a hint of mocha. Mouthfilling and palate coating balanced by good acid. The tannins are big now, but should soften with a couple of years’ age. A very long finish, and I am looking forward to opening one of these in 5 years or so.

So much for 5 years' time. At 10 years of age, however, this remains inky purple black in the glass, and dense. Intense nose of stewed dark plums, blackberries, savoury oak, a little alcoholic heat, and leather polish. Big palate with more of the dark fruits, some mocha, and integrated tannins. Still mouthfilling and palate coating balanced by good acid, as it was 7 years ago.

Starting to head (just) into secondary development, and plenty of life ahead of it. When I purchased the wine, I was told 2013 was an early drinking vintage for McLaren Vale. How long before my 2015s and 2016s come around?

Cheers
Allan

[Waiters Friend]

Even better 24 hours later. I should have decanted earlier before service on day 1. Alcohol heat has largely disappeared, and the wine has settled down even further. Delicious!