Hilltops 14.5% Screwcap $14.95 Source: Sample
I had a look at this yesterday by itself and then, as perhaps suggested by the back label, with Rabbit Stew and mash last night. And I’m sipping it now as I type. It’s an even better wine today, but it worked superbly with the stew.
At the moment it’s more in the black cherry and berry spectrum with a briary influence. The florals are still there and the understated melted chocolate has integrated further. Yesterday, red cherries flashed brightly above it all. But apart from all this, the wine has a lovely autumnal character to it. The leaves have fallen from the tree, so to speak, but they are just brown, not yet entering a state of decay. A touch of spice on the back palate sets it all off nicely, inviting the onset of winter.
I often associate a pleasant medicinal character with the Hilltops region, but I’m not so sure it’s able to be found here. It’s a very sensitive, balanced medium bodied wine with a thoughtful and somewhat ephemeral finish structured by fine and gently raspy tannins.
The whole label and what I perceive as the concept makes me chuckle. It’s genuine but seems, at the same time, to be aware of its old time romanticism. “Deluxe” indeed. I don’t even want to talk about the price, but look; $15 is just silly for a wine of this quality. I happen to know it was made to over deliver (which doesn’t surprise me given the “producer”) and it does. Beautiful stuff and I look forward to watching it develop over time once I’ve gotten my order in. The best place to try and grab some might be emailing the site below.
Winery website- http://www.jackmattinsons.com.au/
My goodness, that sounds yummy. I'll have to get a bottle soon.
Oh yes, very yummy Carla. Hopefully Boccaccio Cellars will be stocking some down your way. But a warning. If you go to Boccaccio make sure there's plenty of room on your credit card. It's a wine wonderland
Can't wait to give this a go Jeremy. I haven't had much experience with the hilltops region either so will be interesting in that respect as well.
Dave
It's good and it's regional so I think it's a good place to head Dave. By the way, there's a new website for the wine so I've just changed the adress above. FWIW I've already asked to buy 6 bottles once it's being sold. At $15 a pop I'd like to have some sitting in my flat and in my cellar.
Cheers
j
I just checked. Released May 1st.
Jack Mattinson’s Deluxe Dry Red, Shiraz Cabernet 2009. Hilltops, NSW.
Just got around to trying this drop…..
Knowing the man behind the label, the story he has chosen to attribute to it and the reason this wine is made, realistically, this was always going to be a wine to look out for. And it delivers in spades.
Ruby Red and clearly young, welcoming soft floral and savoury, spicy notes, from marshmallow to mushroom are followed by gentle but definite cabernet based tannins on a savoury, cedary – old French oak style, dark fruit palate. Medium weight and built to enjoy with food and friends, this is the style of wine I have come to seek out for the relaxed and subtle way it delivers a fruit quality and intensity which accompanies food so well and will age gracefully. Well balanced, with a firm acid backbone, surprising 14.5% alcohol, (I guessed closer to 13.5%) – at around 15 bucks this is a wonderful wine – especially for those wishing to become acquainted with what Australia can produce in terms of quality cool climate reds – find some. Adam Catford – The Wine Enthusiast July 2010. 94/100 drink 2011/19
Thanks for sharing your thoughts Adam, much appreciated. My only issue is how many of my 6 bottles will last until 2019. Will crack another this year, then the rest can go to the cellar for a couple of years minimum I think. At $15/bottle I may just order another 6 anyway.
cheers
jeremy
got the case delivered a few days back. missus loves it – asked what halliday gave it. i told her 92/100. lets just say she disagreed quite strongly. to her, this is a great wine, deserves a lot more credit then that.
i found it to be a fantastic drop too. a bit too dry on its own, but with food – it kicks ass. but then, hilltops is one of my favourite regions…
vishal thakur
Vishal- I served this to a family gathering for my brother's 40th last night. It was loved by all. I'll note that it has filled out nicely since the above tasting note was written. Beautiful stuff.
ps- higher than 92 for mine too