2019 Teusner Dog Strangler Mataro, Barossa Valley

A lovely, deep, darkly impenetrable, purple/black colour. Deep purple, good name for a band. Blueberries, anise, smoked-meats, Asian spice, really lovely aromatics and evocative things happening in the glass. Deliciously fleshy blue fruits, dark cherry, spice and licorice. This has a really attractive dark fruit-weight and the tannins and acid work in tandem seamlessly to give the dark, slurpy fruit the structure and cut this wine requires 27 Feb 2021 Drink 2021–2031

95 points Aaron Brasher The Real Review #1 of 15 2019 Mourvèdre from Barossa Valley

Mataro vines up to 25 yo; matured 18 months in older French oak hogsheads. Kym Teusner's mandate of softening this tannic variety is exemplified again in 2019. Alluring, spicy, sweet red berry fruits, refreshingly poised acidity, fine-grained tannins and well-gauged dark and milk chocolate all slot together neatly. Quintessential Teusner: exact and delicious.

93 points Tyson Stelzer winecompanion.com.au

There is always a bit of Barossa humour in a name like Dog Strangler, but behind it sits a serious expression of Mataro from old vineyards that thrive in the region’s warm, dry conditions. Teusner, founded by Kym Teusner and Michael Page, built its reputation by seeking out exceptional old vine parcels and treating them with a light touch in the winery. The focus has always been on character and drinkability rather than sheer weight.

Mataro, known as Mourvèdre in France, finds a natural home in the Barossa, especially on sandy soils where old bush vines dig deep and produce small, intensely flavoured berries. It is a variety that leans savoury, earthy and structured, and in the right hands can be both powerful and beautifully composed.

Deep, dark ruby in the glass, the aromatics are rich and brooding. Blackberry, dark plum and black cherry lead, followed by liquorice, dried herbs and a distinct earthy note that edges toward game and spice. There is a wildness here that feels very true to the grape.

The palate carries that intensity but keeps it in check. Dark fruit sits at the core, wrapped in firm, grainy tannins that give the wine its backbone. Layers of spice, leather and a savoury, almost ferrous note build through the mid palate, while a thread of freshness keeps it from becoming heavy. It finishes long and persistent, with a rustic edge that adds to its appeal.

This is a wine that loves bold, flavour packed food. Slow cooked lamb shoulder, braised beef with spices, or chargrilled meats all work beautifully. It also pairs well with dishes that have a smoky or earthy element, where the wine’s savoury depth really shines.

Give it a few years to settle if you like a softer expression, or enjoy it now with a good decant. It will comfortably cellar for ten to fifteen years, developing more leathery, gamey complexity over time.

There is a raw, honest character here that feels very Barossa, a wine with plenty of personality, built for hearty meals and good company.