La Rioja Alta Gran Reserva 890, Rioja
Mr Riggs Yacca Paddock Tempranillo
Yacca Paddock vineyard, owned by international film makers, Scott Hicks and Kerry Heysen-Hicks, is situated at Kuitpo in the south west escarpment of the Mount Lofty Ranges. Planted in 2000, vines are east facing with site temperatures some 2.5 degrees cooler on average than McLaren Vale which, as a crow flies, is just 5km away. The 2016 Mr. Riggs Yacca Paddock Tempranillo was fermented in a 5 tonne open fermenter, resting on skins for 7 days, followed by membrane bag pressing. Fermentation was completed in 33% new French oak with the balance 2 year old French oak. Post malo, the wine was left on its gross lees for a couple of months to add texture and creaminess to the palate. A wonderfully textural, stylish wine, with natural fruit sweetness and elegance, the Mr. Riggs Yacca Paddock Tempranillo characteristically displays savoury tannins, dried herb undertones, and highlights sweet tart red cherry flavours. Drink with food.
Sancho Garces Spoon & Fork Tempranillo
Sancho Garces pays homage to King Sancho Garcés III el Mayor, king of the Kingdom of Pamplona between 1004 and 1035, who promoted the pilgrimage route of the Camino of Santiago, or Way of St. James, and built hospitals and lodging. Sancho Garces presents aromas of fresh fruit and liquorice. Soft tannins, very well-balanced and easy-drinking.
Spinifex Tempranillo
Vital, youthful and vigorous. Joven-style Tempranillo with bright, punchy fruit aromatics of damson plum and mulberry that sit above darker dried herb and wood smoke notes. Mid-weight palate with lively red berry and tart stone fruit flavours that mesh with nervy, bright fruit acids and light, snappy tannins. Harvested from a single, elevated vineyard in the southern Barossa foothills. Handpicked early in the season to capture lively fruit and retain natural fruit acids, selected bunches were fully destemmed prior to fermentation in a small open fermenter. The young wine was allowed to mature on its lees for six months prior to bottling without filtration. Spinifex was started in 2001 with the opportunity to source some great old vine Mataro growing in deep white drift-sand on the Barossa Valleys Western Ridge. Owned by husband and wife team, Peter Schell and Magali Gely, their focus is on regional wines from the traditional Mediterranean grape varieties that have been grown successfully in Australia for over 150 years - Shiraz, Mataro, Grenache, Cinsault, Carignan, Ugni Blanc, Grenache Gris, Marsanne and Semillon. They aim to make wines that display signatures of vineyard provenance and vintage, show regional typicity and have a consistent thread of 'house style' that reflects their preferences and experiences with wine. The wines they choose to make are predominately blends, the synergies derived from blending wines of differing character enhance the subtle complexities, even textures and profound personalities delivered from great old vine vineyards.
Bodegas Valdemar Conde Valdemar Rioja Crianza
Nick O'Leary Seven Gates Tempranillo
Elvarado McLaren Vale Tempranillo Grenache
Pomegranate, violets and spicy peppers. Medium-bodied, savoury and rich, cherry and red berry notes, silky tannins, fine boned structure.
Gemtree "Luna Temprana" McLaren Vale Tempranillo
Aromas of raspberry and cherry cola. Aromatic, blue and red fruits, soft and textural, fine integrated tannins. Gemtree is a third generation family owned winery in the heart of McLaren Vale. Since 2008 the winery has operated using biodynamic practices ensuring an outstanding quality of fruit. Winemaker Mike Brown is a passionate advocate for environmental practices in the vineyard including sustainable agriculture to produce the best results in all of the Gemtree wines. The same philosophy is adopted by the viticulturalist - his wife, Melissa. Gemtree Vineyards are located just 35 kilometres south of Adelaide in the heart of the McLaren Vale wine region. Its considered one of the best regions in the world to grow grapes thanks to its ancient soils and Mediterranean climate plus cooling sea breezes from the nearby Gulf of St.Vincent. Soils in the area range from shallow red brown earths over limestone to deep fertile clay soils. Gemtree Vineyards comprises 260 acres under vine planted with Chardonnay, Verdelho, Riesling, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo, Petit Verdot and Sangiovese. Working in tandem with his wife Melissa in the vineyard and taking a minimal interventionist approach to the winemaking is integral to Mike, to allow the wines to simply express the region in every glass.
Elephant in the Room Tempranillo
A juicy, soft and supple tempranillo bursting with red fruits, hints of anise and raspberry. Great depth of flavour and a long, satisfying finish.
Paxton Vale Organics Tempranillo
Tempranillo blossoms in the Vale. Medium bodied style, approachable with attractive aromatics, dark cherries & spice, with hints of blackcurrant & blueberries and finishes with soft elegant tannins. Vegan friendly.McLaren Vale, “The Vale” is home to sustainable winegrowing in Australia with the highest number of certified organic and biodynamic vineyards in the country. David Paxton’s history of grape-growing in the Vale started in 1979 and today Paxton is a fully certified organic and biodynamic wine company who embrace sustainable practises in their vineyards and winery. Vale Organics honours McLaren Vale and the organic pioneers of this wonderfully innovative and sustainable wine growing region.