Today I had the pleasure of hosting a tasting together with three friends from wineries in McLaren Vale.
Besides fantastic Shiraz, Cabernets and GSM blends from Kay Brothers, Hamilton Wines and Paxton; I particularly enjoyed the two single-varietal Mataro and Mourvedre wines:
The Mataro Basket Press 2020 from Kay Brothers impresses above all with its fine, precise tannin structure. As the Mourvedre grape variety is often called here, Mataro can sometimes be somewhat rustic in tannins.
Here, its finesse results from the gentle pressing in the old basket press from 1928. However, apart from the traditional pressing, the wine is made in a modern way and characterised by red fruits such as cranberries and light cherries and subtle spicy notes.
The Farm Twelve 2020 Mourvedre from Hamilton Wines is also exciting. It is defined by its linear acidity, dark berry fruits and multi-layered balsamic notes. Dark cherries, blackberries, mulberries, earth, tobacco and oriental spices.
I can’t wait to revisit the Vale at the end of the year. With its beaches, exciting food & wine culture, and many dear friends and acquaintances, the region south of Adelaide is always worth visiting.
