2022 McLaren Vale Tempranillo
TASTING NOTE
Bright aromatics of red plums and cherry complimented with some earthy toasted spice. The palate shows generousity with flavours of blueberry and dark plum fruits and an earthiness that gives the wine a savoury profile. The tannins are fine grained and persistent, supporting the juicy fruit characters.
VINTAGE SUMMARY
We experienced another excellent growing season in 2021/2022 with a wet winter setting the vines up nicely. A very mild, but also dry, summer/autumn followed – meaning there was low disease pressure over a very gentle and extended ripening period. Yields were slightly down on average but with other conditions being favourable, the season has resulted in excellent wines showing great varietal character and lovely fresh natural acidity.
VINEYARD
Our Tempranillo comes from a cool climate vineyard at approximately 280m above sea level, adjacent to the picturesque Kuipto forest. Vines are trellised with a single cordon, on a loamy clay soil and is planted on an East facing slope.
WINEMAKING
Fruit was crushed and chilled to a stainless steel open fermenter for a 4 day cold soak then underwent a 100% wild fermentation. The wine was fermented to sugar dry on skins then basket pressed 3 days after alcoholic fermentation had finished when the structure of the wine felt balanced and complete. Once pressed the wine was racked off gross lees to old French oak puncheons for malolactic fermentation and maturation. Wine remained in barrel for 8 months. No fining, vegan friendly.
FOOD PAIRING
Smoked lamb cutlets with polenta and roasted cherry tomatoes
WINEMAKER
Skye Salter
VARIETY: 100%Tempranillo
REGION: McLaren Vale, South Australia
SOIL: Loamy sand over light clay.
ALCOHOL: 14.0%
TA: 6.14 g/L
pH: 3.60
Awards & Reviews:
2021 Vintage
92 Points - Top Value Wine of the Week, #1 Tempranillo in South Australia - Huon Hooke, The Real Review
"Tempranillo is fast becoming a staple of the warmer regions’ winemakers, and all I can say is what took them so long?
Deep, bold purple colour, with a youthfully bright spicy and meaty bouquet that hints at some whole bunch/whole berry fermentation. The palate is rich, fruit-sweet and delicious, with fine, smooth tannins and fleshy texture. A succulent wine, drinking well now and for a few years hence."
92 Points - Halliday Wine Companion, Ned Goodwin MW
"This is impressive. Mid weighted, savoury and poised, servicing drinkability and immense versatility at the diverse Australian table. The tannins, impeccably extracted. Lithe and attenuated like a slick of cherry cola seeping across the gums. Blue-fruit aspersions, otherwise. If you seek a supple, mid-weighted red that shan't get in the way of the food and conversation, here is your ticket."