Yalumba’s new foray into the world of classic red Rhone blends. Quite a different beast to the old ‘Hand Picked MGS’, this one is more frivolous in packaging and style. Never underestimate the value of frivolity. 38% Grenache, 32% Shiraz, 30% Mataro.
A somewhat dense nose of spice, earth and tar alongside black, red and blue berries. It’s ‘The United Colors of Benneton’ in terms of fruit profile. Sweetly scented cinnamon is joined by a cavalcade of brown baking spices on the palate. Juicy but nimble with some appropriately grainy, chocolate tannin. There’s even a bucolic, dried herb aftertaste. One for the people but by no means dumb. Good
Region: Barossa Valley
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Price: $21.95
Tasted: October 2011