2023 Adelina Shiraz Mataro, Clare Valley

This is the first release of this wine as an estate-only wine. Some older-vine shiraz (planted 1915) and younger vine shiraz (planted 2013) are blended with mataro (planted 2012). A bouncy, medium-weight and vivaciously red-fruited wine of sweet spice, some faint nougat elements, a touch of eucalyptus and a good dose of fresh, leafy herbs. A charming wine, tightened gently with fine, dusty tannin, but ostensibly built around a notion of ease of drinking and prettiness.

94 points Mike Bennie winecompanion.com.au

The Adelina Shiraz Mataro from Clare Valley is a soulful blend that fuses elegance and rustic charm in a way that few producers in the region pull off so effortlessly. Crafted by the quietly brilliant Col McBryde and Jennie Gardner, this wine comes from their organically farmed, dry-grown estate in the Spring Farm sub-region, nestled just next to the legendary Wendouree vineyard.

The Shiraz component provides dark fruit, florals, and a sleek core of spice, while the Mataro (aka Mourvèdre) brings structure, savoury depth, and a whisper of earthy wildness. It's a blend with both muscle and poise. Wild fermentation, minimal handling, and maturation in old oak ensure the fruit and vineyard character take centre stage. The texture is supple, the acidity finely tuned, and the tannins carry a dusty grip that anchors the wine beautifully.

Aromatically, it leads with blue fruits, black cherries, violets, and dried sage. On the palate, think blood plum, peppered meat, graphite, and hints of smoked herbs. There’s real tension and finesse here, and a sense of restraint that makes it feel more Rhône-like than stereotypical Clare. The finish is long, savoury, and just a little bit wild.

This is the kind of wine that calls for woodfired lamb, rosemary potatoes, or a chargrilled eggplant dish with tahini and cumin. It’ll reward 5 to 10 years of cellaring, gaining complexity while holding onto its savoury backbone.