2021 Kurtz Uncle Tony's Mataro, Barossa Valley

Mataro sourced from Uncle Tony. He's got some nice '50s-planted mataro over in Light Pass. Subdued mid-crimson in the glass with some appealing mataro garrigue and exoticism forming a base below the macerated plum and cherry fruits. Hints of Chinese five-spice, fennel tops, licorice, biltong, pressed flowers and earth. Meaty and mid-bodied, it cuts a savoury, beefy path, with silty tannins and some morello cherry on the tail end.

92 points Special Value DB winecompanion.com.au

Sourced entirely from old vines planted in the mid 1950’s at Uncle Tony’s Mataro vineyard, Light Pass, Barossa Valley.

Deep garnet. The first thing that hits the nose is a rush of sweet, piquant spices – peppercorn, cardamon and star anise – followed closely by dark fruit aromas of black cherry, blackberry and bloodplum, with notes of liquorice and minerally tar, subtle fennel leaf and dark rose florals.

A rich, dense, fleshy palate of dark purple fruits with a firm yet fine backbone of structural tannins. A wonderful balance of savoury, spicy, earthy and fruity flavours with subtle oak and a spine of acidity playing supporting roles. The finish is long and juicy, with chewy, chocolately tannins that lengthen but don’t overpower.

Uncle Tony’s Mataro is a delicious match with well-spiced, smoked, and charred foods like lamb kofta, cassoulet, paella, Argentinian T-bone, five-spice duck, sticky barbecued pork ribs or chargrilled vegetables.