Margaret River 14.0% Screwcap $30
Teroldego is a variety that I suspect few of us are overly familiar with. There’s a worthwhile rundown on the grape at the Blue Poles website so I’ll leave a sketchy history out of this review. All I’ll mention is that it is Italian in origin and this first release from the winery is certainly Italianate in profile.
Dense and brooding in the glass, packed with intense black and red fruits of all kinds. A little high toned blueberry appears with extended breathing (which the wine does need at this stage in its evolution). Rich dark chocolate, dried herbs and some tea leaf round out the flavours and aromas.
Big, chunky tannins are right at home in this setting; it’s a wine to sink your teeth into. At its best on the second and third day of tasting, as it fleshed out and came together. I’ve a minor quibble with how the wine segues from plush fruit to a dry, assertively tannic finish…but it’s hardly much of an issue. I’m really noting it as I’m fairly certain the winery will produce even better expressions as they become more familiar with the variety and how it interacts with their site.
No need to wait though…indeed only 69 or so cases were made and word is most of that run is already gone. It’s an extremely worthwhile detour and very well priced at that. Should only improve over the next five years minimum too.
Winery website- http://www.bluepolesvineyard.com.au/