2007 Mountain X Hunter Shiraz

Hunter Valley, Yarra Valley 13.2% Screwcap $35 Source- Gift

I was tasting through some wine samples with my esteemed blogging colleague Julian Coldrey last Saturday afternoon. We were looking for a bottle to knock off at the end of writing notes but alas, none ticked all the boxes for both of us. Being a kind & gentlemanly type, Mr Coldrey produced three alternative reds and asked me to pick one. Having always been interested in the conceptual brainchild of Campbell Mattinson and Gary Walsh I chose this and I’ve been congratulating myself ever since.

It’s mostly Hunter Shiraz with a dash of Yarra Pinot (from Hoddles Creek I believe). The Pinot certainly adds lift but I was more enthralled by the excellent synergy between the two grapes from different regions. What may have begun as an idea had now been successfully executed with the help of the Eather brothers from Meerea park, resulting in a wine of great charm, sophistication and elegance.

An entry of cherries and light raspberries sat over a darker fruit element which asserted itself by the way of an ever so slightly creamy, sweet mid palate. The acidity was spot on and the tannins revealed restrained and intelligent use of whole bunch techniques, adding the merest hint of sappiness. Nuances of almonds, game, earth and chocolate were also evident.

I somehow feel that I’ve failed to communicate how gorgeously drinkable the wine was. I think we were both a little surprised at how quickly the bottle came to an end. And indeed, the wine has sold out now, although a small quantity may be lurking at retail level if you do a little searching.

The 2008 Mountain X will come from Canberra due to the harsh nature of that vintage in the Hunter. I’m looking forward to tasting it, but I hope the original multi-regional expression has a chance to be explored again. Simply put, it just works.

Winery Website- http://www.mountainx.com.au/