The Wines
I am relieved it has similar traits to the 2006; a personal bench mark wine of this variety. The aromatics boom with dark cherries; a minty freshness, cola and molasses (in a good way). A gentle floral aromatic of Snap Dragons. A very, very subtle marmite and ‘liquorice all sorts’ element on the nose. Many comment on the grain of the palate; some say soft, some say fine; it’s not green but rocky and even. You judge. I hate clichés, but it is a food wine.
Geology/ Paddock:
The Tempranillo is all estate grown on an east/ west ridge at 180 m above sea level. The estate is on the northern Seaview ridge in McLaren Vale. This is from fourth crop; second release. The bluff roles over from north facing to the south and therefore engages full sunshine. Coastal breezes prevail in the afternoons during the ripening season. Air currents also flow down through the Onkaparinga Gorge and have some cooling effect on the fruit ripening. The ridge is mainly composed of compact sedimentary shale with outcrops of ferric sandstone and some calcarious material in spots.
Shed:
Extended skin contact (pre and post ferment). Matured in old oak French barriques with nine months on original red lees. Minimal handling avoiding oxidative influence at all cost. This wine sees twelve months in barrel before blending.ste of roasted beetroot and earth tones. It has enticing lifted violets on the nose and the fragrance of King Valley Hops.
