And the answer? Aerate!
But don't panic, the heirloom decanters can still be used with the Vinturi system, it just means that you use the aerator as the "middle man" and then you can immediately start pouring and drinking - no waiting around for half an hour or more for the wine to breathe. And you don't need to use a decanter as you can also use these over a single glass.
I wandered down to the Drink Better Wine restaurant/wine outlet in North Sydney to have a look at the Vinturi wine aerators - you simply use the black for red wine and the white for white wine - yes, you should aerate white wine, too. And do they make a difference!
I tried the white first, a "crisp dry white" was the description. Light, acidic and the taste all on the tip of the tongue when it was poured straight from the bottle into the glass. However, after pouring from the bottle through the aerator into the glass, the difference was remarkable. The bouquet, the taste and even the colour. The taste lingered all over the mouth this time and the wine had taken on a more buttery attribute.
I then tried a Shiraz which I have to say tasted pretty good even straight after the cork was removed. I was therefore quite taken aback by the change that pouring it through the aerator made. That nice Shiraz became a very delightful drop indeed.
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As it was suggested that I pour to see how easy it is, I have to admit that I got a bit carried away with watching and listening to the wine going through the aerators so I may, just may, have poured a bit more than was necessary for a test, so it was very lucky that Drink Better Wine also provided a tasting plate of carpaccio and smoked trout - and both were delicious.
As an aside, I've already made plans to return for a meal as the atmosphere is very enticing for a leisurely way to spend a couple of hours with good food, wine and friendly, knowledgeable staff.
The history behind the product: Jason Plummer and his wife were sent the Vinturi aerators from the US as presents and realised how good they are. They quickly set about organising the importing, warehousing and marketing of them for here in Australia and also New Zealand.
They are now available in over 40 wineries - perfect for being able to showcase your wines to the tourists, of course - restaurants, plus some retail outlets. And where I was doing the testing, they have them and use them, on request, for their customers.
As the package both looks good and is well-padded inside, I would imagine you would have to work very hard to damage the aerators if you were buying them to post to someone.
They come in two sizes: the large black [for red only, at the moment]; and the two smaller black and white ones which are perfect for taking on picnics or BYO restaurants.
Some of the advantages of these, and what makes them perfect gifts for others or yourself, is that they go into the dishwasher, don't have any batteries or rely on electricity (so that makes them handy for sending to overseas friends), and don't take up much space.
In fact I'd suggest that if you find them interesting, get in quickly. They would be perfect for wedding gifts and at the moment, you could be very sure that no-one else will be giving one to the "lucky" couple. Take that, you toaster givers!
The cost: $64 for the red or white, which includes a stand and carry pouch, or $109 for the Tower which also includes a stand, carry case and comes in two parts for easy cleaning and storage.