If you’re one of the rare breed that can exercise “cellar control” – and trust me, you… that is to say, we… are a rare breed – then you know that a functioning cellar is one of the great pleasures in life. However there’s no greater crime than letting a wine go past its “best by” date. So with this in mind I’ve assumed the mantle of Official Linchpin Shiraz Taste Tester in order to spare my fellow Ekhidna drinkers the burden of this gruelling research endeavour. Now, on to the conclusions!

(PS – check out the 2010 Linchpin Shiraz here!)

2001 Linchpin
Drink now and until 2016. It’s looking awesome. Be sure to give it some air, decant, and/or venturi.

2002 Linchpin
For the few lucky souls in Australia who have some 2002 (most went to the US) you have another 5-6 years so don’t rush this one.

2003 Linchpin
Drink now, this wine is at its pinnacle. Give it plenty of air and let it breathe (if it is unable to do so unassisted, give it mouth to mouth.)

2004 Linchpin
This trophy winner is drinking beautifully now, with only another year or two to go. Again give it some air and enjoy.

2005 Linchpin
You can drink this now but I would give it another 4-6 years. Let it stay in the cellar a little longer.

2006 Linchpin
Liquid Gold but again this wine has a way to go; don’t rush this one you have another 5-8 years.

If you’ve got any other Ekhidnas in your cellar that you’re curious about, please feel free to drop me a line. I would be only too happy to ~~help you drink them~~ give you my professional opinion.

— Matt