2017 LaBise Adelaide Hills Tempranillo

James Halliday 92 points

Background
Tempranillo is now the most widely planted wine grape in the world. It is a relatively recent arrival in Australia, so we are pleased to have found a great example as BackVintage’s first listing.

Although it thrives through most parts of its native Spain, it can be a challenging grape to grow.

All the same, in a good regional environment and in the skilled hands of Natasha Mooney the result is beautiful.
Winter and Spring saw near-record rainfall in the Adelaide Hills, but March was dry – fortunate for the final ripening. Autumn was mostly cool, and vintage the latest for several years.

The grapes came from a single vineyard at Kersbrook and were picked on 23rd March 2017. After a four day fermentation the wine was matured for three months in large format oak barrels.

Colour
Moderately deep purple.

Nose
Fresh, sweet, fruits – blueberry, a hint of raspberry – with aromatic spices.

Structure / Palate
Medium bodied and supple, with plenty of flesh on the mid-palate. Juicy, almost lush fruit flavours with a fine cut of lightly firm tannin.

This wine combines Tempranillo’s characteristic plump palate with fine, firm tannins.
It is a ready now and will gain complexity into 2020. It’s delicious with all red meat dishes, pasta or a full-flavoured paella.

James Halliday 2019 Wine Companion review:
"Made to reflect the early ripening nature of tempranillo in a fruit-forward style without alcohol ripeness. Excellent colour, well made, with ample red and black cherry fruit, attractive tannins and a fine-spun savoury finish. No need for excuses or qualifications here."
92 points. Drink to 2023.

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