Andrew Margan makes some very good wine in the Hunter Valley. Unfortunately this isn’t one of them. If you’re going to give it a crack, decant it.
It opens up shrill with abrasive, clumsy tannin. All disjointed - up and down like fiddlers’ elbows. Sundried tomatos, blackberries and plums, vanilla essence and dried herbs. After some midpalate richness, freshly squeezed tomato acidity comes back into the picture. Even considering Barbera’s propensity for high acidity this is never convincing at any stage. 85 Average
Region: Hunter Valley
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Price: $40
Tasted: April 2013