2022 Torbreck The Kyloe Mataro, Barossa Valley

As should be expected from the variety, there is a meaty, exotically-framed underbelly to this rich and undeniably drinkable wine. Blueberry and satsuma plum conserve-style fruit tones cut with broody spice and tones of roasting game, sarsaparilla, biltong, struck flint, pressed purple flowers and dried citrus rind. It's got a creaminess to its rich fruit profile, pillowy tannins, too, and a real sense of harmonious flow as it trails off.

94 points Special Value Dave Brookes winecompanion.com.au

Torbreck The Kyloe Mataro is a bold and characterful red wine from the Barossa Valley, crafted by Torbreck, a winery renowned for its dedication to showcasing the region’s classic Rhône varietals. Made from 100% Mataro (also known as Mourvèdre), The Kyloe highlights the rustic charm and intensity of this often-underrated grape, delivering a wine with depth, complexity, and a distinctly Australian expression.

The grapes for The Kyloe are sourced from low-yielding, dry-grown vineyards in the Barossa Valley, where the warm climate and ancient soils provide ideal conditions for cultivating Mataro. These old vines produce fruit of exceptional concentration and character, with thick skins that contribute to the wine's robust structure and intense flavors.

Winemaking focuses on capturing the essence of Mataro while preserving its vibrant fruit and earthy nuances. The grapes are hand-harvested and fermented in small open-top fermenters to extract color, flavor, and tannin. After fermentation, the wine is aged in seasoned French oak barrels to soften the tannins and enhance its aromatic complexity without overshadowing the varietal character.

In the glass, The Kyloe Mataro displays a deep ruby-red color with purple highlights. The nose is rich and inviting, offering aromas of blackberries, dark cherries, and plum compote, layered with notes of dried herbs, black pepper, leather, and a subtle hint of earthy spice. On the palate, it is full-bodied and robust, with firm yet well-integrated tannins and flavors of dark fruit, licorice, and a touch of smoky oak. The finish is long and savory, showcasing the wine’s balance and depth.

This Mataro is a versatile food wine, pairing wonderfully with grilled or barbecued meats, slow-cooked lamb shanks, or hearty stews. It also complements game dishes and aged hard cheeses, making it a great choice for robust meals. While approachable now, The Kyloe has the structure to age gracefully for 8-10 years, developing further complexity over time.

This restraint is rewarded with dense, wild and completely rounded wines made from fruit that has reached the optimum stage of flavour development. The climate in the Barossa Valley is perfectly suited to achieving this level of ripeness and is a place where we truly believe some of the best Mataro wines in the world can be made.

Torbreck is the name of a forest near Inverness, Scotland. You’ll find more than a passing nod to the Celts in our wine naming conventions including this reference to the wild and hardy Kyloe or Highland cow.