Despite the rugged, chewy tannins that mark the Sagrantino variety this is actually already quite approachable. There’s plenty of McLaren Vale primary fruit stuffing which should give it wider appeal. Not a bad thing all up.
Sour and sweet cherries, raspberry and mulberry provide the easy-going counterpoint to the savoury tea leaf, tar, dried herbs and almonds. It displays an appealing note of lavender as well. I’d like to see less of what I’d describe as Breaka iced coffee oak. Still, the finish is nutty and satisfying in terms of flavour and structure. Defined but perhaps less confronting than the 2009. Being of a masochistic persuasion I’m left wanting more discipline…but that would make it more of a niche wine. It’s all nit-picking anyway. Very good by any measure I would say. 92
Region: McLaren Vale
Alcohol: 14.0%
Closure: Screwcap
Price: $40
Tasted: July 2013
Its good to see how this is consistent with the 09 (which I tasted a while ago) but still different enough to keep me coming back for another go. Its a wine I find really interesting – in a good way. Did you taste it over a day or so or just once?
Tasted over a couple of days Jason. The tannins softened slightly and there was a very subtle move towards savouriness but otherwise it held firm. I’d like to taste it again in five years time but there’s certainly no harm in enjoying it now as far as I’m concerned.
Indeed. Interesting to see it with more age – like the Italian styles.