Murray Street Vineyards Black Label Mataro 2010

I thought I’d already reviewed this, but alas, I haven’t. The last bottle must have gotten the better of me.

A dark, inky purple colour sets the tone. The nose is an interplay of intense blackberry fruit and a savoury note not unlike dried out ferns. It’s got the smell of a farmyard but certainly not a barnyard. No Brettanomyces here, just Mataro in all its glory. It’s got the same sort of spice you can find in Pinot Noir – it seems to cling to the fruit. The balanced palate is created by seamless oak, ripe plummy fruit, spice, light tannin, and importantly, acidity. There is some cigar on the finish, as well as dusty earth and that lingering black fruit acidity.

If anyone wants a change from Pinot Noir when having duck, here’s your alternative. Dead set bargain. It’s not a ‘wow’ wine, but it’s just so solid. Holds up over a few days too.

Very Good – Excellent / 92 points

Closure: Screwcap

Source: Retail

Price: $25