2021 Coates The Iberian, Adelaide Hills

Tempranillo/touriga nacional/syrah/monastrell/garnacha/malbec. A motley crew spanning the deep Mediterranean, temperate France and the Spanish Pyrenees to the Atlantic. A left-field Châteauneuf-du-Pape blending experiment, says Duane Coates. Fun it is, too. Sarsaparilla, menthol, blue fruits, sweet cherry and tea tree tannins. Mid-weighted of feel, frisky and immensely versatile.

92 points Ned Goodwin MW winecompanion.com.au

Coates The Iberian is a bold and characterful red from the Adelaide Hills that celebrates Mediterranean varieties and the freedom to blend outside the rulebook. Coates Wines is a small, hands on Adelaide Hills producer led by winemaker Koen Janssens, whose background in European winemaking strongly shapes the style and philosophy behind the wines. The focus is always on site expression, balance and drinkability rather than sheer power.

The fruit for The Iberian comes from carefully selected Adelaide Hills vineyards, where altitude and cool nights rein in naturally expressive varieties. The Hills bring freshness and lift, allowing richer Mediterranean grapes to retain brightness, savoury detail and natural acidity. This is what makes the blend work so well, giving depth without heaviness.

The Iberian is inspired by the great wines of Spain and Portugal, typically blending varieties such as Tempranillo, Touriga Nacional and Graciano, though the exact mix can vary by vintage. In the glass it is deeply aromatic and engaging. Dark cherry, plum and blackberry sit alongside spice, dried herbs, cocoa and a subtle earthy edge. The palate is medium to full bodied, with fine grained tannins, lively acidity and a savoury, gently structured finish that keeps everything in balance.

This is a superb food wine and thrives at the table. It pairs beautifully with grilled lamb, slow cooked pork, chorizo based dishes, smoky vegetables or rich tomato driven cuisine. While immediately appealing for its generosity and spice, The Iberian also has the structure to evolve over the medium term, gaining complexity and polish with a few years in the cellar.

Coates The Iberian is a confident expression of Adelaide Hills terroir filtered through a distinctly Iberian lens. It is expressive, savoury and full of personality, showing just how well these varieties can shine when given cool climate freshness and thoughtful winemaking.