The defining variety of the Barossa Valley is of course shiraz. My partner in Magpie Estate is Noel Young an English wine merchant, who is a great fan of Rhone wines. He asked me to make a great Barossa shiraz that shows terroir and texture but is still bold in the Barossa style. The first release was the 2001.

Noel likes to be part of the blending process so he comes out twice a year to put his finger in the pie, so to speak.

In 2004 Noel was voted ‘Wine Merchant of the Year’ by the industry as selected in ‘Wine’ the U.K. consumer magazine. Noel wanted an Australian image on the label and selected the magpie.

This Magpie then is a blend of old vine shiraz from many sources, and to complement the palate, includes 3% grenache, generally from the same grenache batch that makes Magpie Estate Fakir.

There are more than two good reasons to buy this full flavored Barossa Shiraz. Mature vines have given us super-ripe and flavorsome grapes. The old traditions of open fermenters and careful use of oak have produced a well endowed yet balanced red. Enjoy the engorging fruits, black cherry and plum with spice and some creamy oak. This wine stays long in the mouth... Enjoy this big Barossa red in its youth, or cellar carefully and drink over the next five to seven years. A true sack full of pleasure.

A wine designed to cellar. Sourced from many growers and we take a tonne here and a tonne there, from old school friends and growers with whom we have built relationships.