Jan 1

Written by: Jarrod Price
1/1/2008 3:49 PM

Since 1993, Barossa Valley winemaker Rolf Binder and British wine merchant Noel Young, have taken the international wine market by storm with their Rhone inspired Magpie Estate label.

Already one of the most famous and sought after winemakers in South Australia with his Veritas label, Rolf Binder formed Magpie Estate with Noel Young as an expression of the partners' mutual passion for Rhone varietals - these grow perfectly in the Barossa Valley. The Magpie labels and names poke fun at wine pretension, and its style is as unique as it is approachable. The wine's currently available at Vintages are:

• The 2005 "The Schnell" Shiraz Grenache (LCBO# 47662 | $18.95), with its great complexity of flavour, soft tannins and integrated oak, is a great value. Robert Parker 90
• The 2005 "Fakir" Grenache (LCBO# 39644 | $21.95), one of their most popular wines - ripe tannins, medium body, and very juicy. Robert Parker 90
• The 2005 "Black Sock" Mourvedre Grenache (LCBO#: 47670 | $28.95) is a big spicy wine, with dense black fruit and toasty oaks. Perfect for the holiday table. Robert Parker 93

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