Sourced from a few Mataro vines scattered among the Grenache dominant 1850 Old Vine vineyard. I didn’t even know they existed until late last year. This is an inaugural release and the fruit has been treated with the respect it deserves. Not much in the way of oak here. Good to see someone isn’t making the same mistakes as we’ve seen with Hewitson’s Old Garden Mourvèdre.
Meaty, leathery varietal characters with blueberry, cherry and fresh yellow-fleshed plum. The spice tends toward Indian; cardamom, cloves etc. A complexing note of bitter eggplant and a handful of brazil nuts. The tannins aren’t as grippy as I’ve come to expect from the grape but their furry, slightly ferrous impact is important to the whole package. A terrific debut. 93
Region: Barossa Valley
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Price: $35
Tasted: January 2014