WOW, I had a 2006 Pillar Box Reserve last night. It had 15.5% alcohol, comes from Padthaway, Australia and is a wine that rewards patience.

This big red was decanted, then savored with a venison steak. It scored an 18+ points on the Dionysian Scale of 20. At nearly a decade old, it softened and was ready, but all four of my fellow tasters agreed it could go much longer. This Gold Medal wine was still inky with garnet edges. The Shiraz had a hint of gun-power, perfect with the venison, as well as blackberry, white pepper, cedar, and spice notes.

If you still think Screw Off Caps are for jug wines, this treasure will teach you that any closure can protect a great wine.

I like to lay away at least two wines from every case I’ve bought for future drinking. I should have put this entire case away. I fear I drank the others way too young even though I recall how nice they were back then. They’re about $20 and well worth it. In vino veritas.