Barossa 14.5% Cork $35 Source: Sample
“And now for something completely different…”
It was cold last night (I’m from Brisbane, so make of that what you will) and I was having a look at a very big red wine (not this one). It worked well with a hardy stew but I actually appreciated it more as I sipped away slowly for the rest of the night. Which brings me to today’s lesson.
I generally think of wine as an accompaniment to food. And big wines often dwarf what’s on the plate in front of you. But this is all generalisation. Taking a small mouthful of a huge and intense table red and contemplating it by itself is a pretty damn worthwhile thing to take pleasure in too. I don’t drink much Durif, but there’s a time and a place for everything…forgive me for getting dangerously close to quoting Ecclesiastes, I promise I’ll refrain.
This is Durif right down to its black heart, staining the glass ominously as you swirl. It’s daunting before you even put it to your lips. Tar, blackcurrants, burnt sugar,vanilla and baking spice present on the nose. Rich red and black curranty flavours power through the palate which is harnessed by dense melted caramel tannins. Cinnamon and aniseed along with some earthy notes add more layers and depth. Further richness comes via dark chocolate, sweet cherry, plum pudding and other ground brown spices.
Would I drink it often? Nope. Is it interesting and compelling? I think so. Should wines like this exist? Abso-fucking-lutely.
Winery Website- http://www.massena.com.au/about/
I can't imagine many people would have durif regularly, but on the odd occasion in mid-winter it's definitely bang on the money!
Spot on