Mourvèdre/Mataró is such a great blending partner for Shiraz. It adds structure and interest, two things that are sometimes absent from straight varietal gear. This one’s got 20% Mourvèdre in it, along with a dash of Grenache (5%). It’s entirely sourced from the Sellicks foothills - the farthest point South in the Vale and one of my favourite subregions - with the Shiraz component coming from the Estate vineyard.
It’s earthy and spicy with blackberries and blood plums, iron and animale characters. Mocha oak is soaked up by the intense fruit and there’s a lick of regional salted licorice in there as well. Plenty of chewy tannin to sink your teeth into. Will hold the wine in good stead over the next five years at least. Very Good
Region: McLaren Vale
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Price: $25
Tasted: August 2012