While the whole growing season in the Clare Valley had well above average rainfall, the autumn turned dry. The grapes were picked on 4th March. Malbec is more suited to the Clare Valley than to other Australian regions and, while this 2017 is lighter in weight than recent vintages, there is no lack of varietal fruit. The wine matured in for 17 months in French oak barrels, 18% of which were new.
ColourMid purple colour.
NoseFresh, showing blueberries, dark plum and a hint of chocolate.
Structure / PalateMedium bodied, with juicy dark berries. Plenty of fine, dry tannin, finishing with good length. This 2017 is finer in structure than the 2014 and 2015 vintages, yet still has Malbec’s distinctly dry grip. It is ready to accompany flavoursome pasta dishes and simply prepared red meat and pork courses. It will gain complexity in bottle into 2020.
