Red rubies glowing and reflective at the centre and gleaming with a translucence towards the edges illuminate this wines colour spectrum in the glass. The wine has some similarities with Mencía from northwestern Spain.
A floral and aromatic bouquet as the wine opens up with time. Some faint liquorice and slightly bitter amaro wafts, red currants and sour cherries with just a little smoky meatiness.
Red currants, some herbal characters including tomato leaf, sour cherries and some cherry pith with slight bitterness. Bright succulent pomegranate adds it flavoursome presence and some black liquorice rises from the depths. There is also a little white pepper/cardamon thing happening. A fresh acid cuts through the fruit flavours and compliments them with great alacrity and very fine smooth yet driving tannins complete an impressive food wine.
Dissimilar to Mencía from MacLaren Vale which tends to be medium to full bodied this wine is on the lighter side of medium bodied at most but it packs huge flavour and unleashes it with some enthusiasm.
I’m unsure of the origin of the fruit, possibly Mildura but we will soon see Menćia made with Granite Belt fruit as it’s been in the ground in one vineyard along Eukey Road for three years where it’s just produced it’s first small crop and has also been planted in the Rees Road Vineyard.
Not yet released and only a small production this is great drinking and will be so enjoyable in our Queensland conditions, I suspect you can even put a chill on it and slurp it with tapas and charcuterie in summer – at least I’m willing to give it a go!
Tasted: Saturday 7th November, 2020 without food and then with over several hours.
Alcohol: 11.7%
Closure: Screwcap
Price: $45
Suggested Drinking Window: 2020 to 2030
Winemaker: Andy Williams
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