Winemaker and former sommelier Andrew Wood has spent the last eight or so vintages kicking around McLaren Vale, spending time at Kangarilla and Gemtree wineries before founding Waywood Wines. The first thing to note about this Nebbiolo is that it’s not attempting to be Barolo or Barberesco. There’s nothing wrong with taking your cue from those famous regions but it can be worthwhile approaching the variety without the baggage.
Juicy with regional fullness and a fruit forwardness not often found in its Italian counterparts as young wines. Black cherries with a slick of raspberry coulis floating above. Vanilla malt oak, lavender, roses, and choc/orange present on the bouquet. Really like the undercurrents of black pouch tobacco (‘White Ox’ specifically, but please don’t ask me why I’m so familiar with that scent). The tannins are at first raspy before settling into a more pleasing chewy, candle wax character. Dried oregano, peppercorns and red earth on the finish. Quite satisfying and certainly demonstrates enough potential to warrant further exploration of the grape in the future. Good
Region: McLaren Vale
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Price: ?
Tasted: June 2012