TN: Maxwell Minotaur Shiraz 2005

[Waiters Friend]

I first visited this McLaren Vale winery back in 1995, and picked up their Ellen Street Shiraz and Lime Cave Cabernet at the time. Back then, the winery was in different premises, and you could actually descend into the Lime Cave.

For reasons unknown, I've only bought a few times from the winery since then. I've never been disappointed by the reds, nor the Adelaide Hills Chardonnay. Oh yes, they make mead, too. The Minotaur is the flagship shiraz (the label didn't exist in 1995). I've been holding onto this bottle for many years, and figured now would be about right. 15% alcohol.

Purple black in colour, deep and dense. Big rich nose of dark plums, milk chocolate, vanilla, cloves, and some dried herbs. The palate is mouth-filling with some alcohol and acid prominent around the tongue, but it's the slippery mouthfeel and the flow of fruit, chocolate and cedar across the palate that makes this work. Tannins are grippy but not overpowering, and the wine finishes full and long.

My timing is great. At nearly 14 years old, and from a warmer vintage, this is positively singing. If it was 14% or 14.5%, it would be totally harmonious - there's not much in it.

It's interesting to note that, after visiting McLaren Vale (and Maxwell) again a couple of years ago http://forum.m.auswine.com.au/forum3/viewto ... 89#p135811 , I found that the wines I had seen 20 years previously at 15% or 15.5% alcohol were now showing 14-14.5%. A positive move for the region, I think.

Cheers
Allan