I’ve tasted Sagrantinos from three different McLaren Vale producers and every one of them has indicated that the Umbrian variety has an exciting future within the region. Interesting to see ProCork chosen as a seal, presumably as it’s a grape and style that needs some age and the permiabiality should get it there a little faster without the risk of TCA. It does look like some sort of prophylactic (ie a condom) though. I wonder if it would lessen Andrew Jefford’s pleasure…
Complex aromatics of leather, dried herbs, licorice, potpourri and jubey red fruits. Acidity courses through the wine’s veins and gum-flooding, raspy tannin binds everything together on the back-palate with some black tea and rock salt trailing behind. It’s a sinewy affair with a prominent amount of clove spiced oak on show – probably too much given the inherent structural properties of the grape. Needs a lot of air or a stint in the cellar. 91+ Good – Very Good
Region: McLaren Vale
Alcohol: 14.0%
Closure: ProCork
Price: $45
Tasted: November 2012
What are the other sagrantino’s that you have tried? if it is d’arenberg and olivers taranga it is interesting which one do you like more as they come from the same vineyard.
Josh – Yes, those were the other two. Thanks for that information. I was quite unaware. For me the Oliver’s Taranga has it over the d’Arenberg and the Coriole…although the d’Arenberg was from a different vintage; 2007.
Cheers
J