Barossa Valley 14.5% Screwcap $25 Source: Sample
Colin Sheppard makes some damn fine Riesling and Shiraz but I reached for the Grenache Mourvèdre when the new release Flaxman wines arrived. I’m not sure if he’s made the blend before but I certainly hadn’t tasted his take on it yet. Mightily impressed I was too.
It’s 60/40 and matured in older French and American hogsheads and barriques; so it’s mostly about the fruit, which is a good thing in this case. I’ve come to appreciate the authentic, slightly murky colour which presents in the glass, as I associate it with unfiltered wine…and this wine is both unfiltered and unfined.
It’s an earthy, savoury drink. Sure, there are cherries and redcurrants, but it’s just as much about dusty traits, coal, char grilled meats, nutmeg and pepper. In fact it’s a spicy number but there’s a slightly floral, perfumed character which offsets the masculinity.
There’s a little more flesh than one often sees in Grenache dominant blends although there’s plenty of form via settled acidity and quality granular tannin. Bitter dark chocolate is right at home on the finish, which has a hint of warmth but nothing distracting as far as I’m concerned. It stood up well over three days of tasting and it’s very neatly priced if you are into this style of wine. I must say I am.
Winery website- http://www.flaxmanwines.com.au/
Glad to hear you enjoyed the Drone Blend Jeremy. It is the first release of this wine, but it will be a regular in our line up from now on. There will also be a 100% Mataro coming soon.