2021 Coates The Touriga Nacional, McLaren Vale

Wild-fermented for 2 weeks; matured in French oak (40% new) for 24 months, then held for 6 months prior to release. Terrific colour; incisive red and black fruit flavours are softened to a degree by the oak, but even more time will benefit the wine.

93 points winecompanion.com.au

Natural yeast ferment in stainless steel open fermenters followed by 14 days cuvaison time. Matured in French oak (one third new) barriques for 15 months. Bottled unfined and unfiltered in August of 2022.

As a dry red, Touriga Nacional has great potential in Australia as the gradual sugar accumulation keeps to the pace of flavour and tannin ripening, even at low 3-4 hL/ ha cropping levels. This is generally the last variety picked by Duane during vintage.

The Coates Touriga Nacional shows amazing floral and Earl Grey tea characters for the first year in bottle before taking on a brooding character with time – not dissimilar to mourvèdre.