2022 Kay Brothers Amery Basket Pressed Mataro, McLaren Vale

This is a characterful expression with an inky colour but appealing savouriness and more a mid-weight lean. Tapenade, black cherry and hardy Mediterranean herbs lead, a tarry gentle spiciness – in a star anise, brown cardamom, caraway vein – follows. Mataro can be gruff, but it’s this wine’s strength, giving it an appealing chewiness and a sapid food-friendliness, while red fruits start to cascade after ample air. It’s a compelling wine.

94 points Special Value ME winecompanion.com.au

Bright red fruits, spice and more cherries. Crunchy acidity and fine powdery tannins help to enhance freshness. Bright, juicy and delicious!

A variety with over a century of history in McLaren Vale, though its popularity has ebbed and flowed over the years Known for its ripe fruits and savoury, earthy under currents it provides a generous, robust mouth feel and loose knit tannin structure. In the past a small percentage of Mataro would be used to bolster colour and structure in their Shiraz. The small block planted at the base of the hill enjoys all the sun it can get, often being the last variety to be picked each year.

Fruit was hand harvested, crushed & destemmed then hand plunged utilising open top fermentation. Following 12 days on skins, traditional basket pressing in their 1928 basket press was employed. The wine then matured in seasoned French oak puncheons for 6 months.