2023 Bremerton Special Release Malbec, Langhorne Creek

Malbec and Langhorne Creek – talk about a symbiotic relationship. Throw in the excellent producer Bremerton, and, well, it’s going to be a good outcome. A deep, dark garnet hue; fleshy ripe plums coated in cocoa, baking spices and woodsy spices via oak. The palate full bodied with densely packed tannins, quite robust yet a brightness within.

92 points Special Value Jane Faulkner winecompanion.com.au

Bremerton Special Release Malbec from Langhorne Creek is a bold, richly textured red that showcases the variety’s dark fruit intensity and the region’s remarkable ability to produce wines of both power and elegance. Crafted by winemaker Rebecca Willson, this small-batch release celebrates the family estate’s passion for exploring alternative varieties that thrive in the region’s maritime climate and fertile alluvial soils.

The fruit is sourced from low-yielding Malbec vines on the Bremerton estate, where cooling breezes from Lake Alexandrina temper the warmth of the growing season, allowing for slow, even ripening and vibrant natural acidity. After hand harvesting, the grapes are fermented in small open-top vats with gentle plunging to extract colour and fine tannins. The wine is then matured in a combination of new and seasoned French oak barrels for around 12 months, enhancing complexity and structure while preserving the fruit’s purity.

In the glass it shows an inky crimson-purple hue. The aroma is deep and inviting, with layers of blackberry, blueberry and dark plum accented by violet, cocoa, and a hint of cedar. The palate is plush and full bodied, offering rich dark fruit framed by velvety tannins and balanced acidity. Notes of spice, mocha and black pepper add intrigue, leading to a long, savoury finish that captures both intensity and elegance.

It pairs beautifully with grilled steak, roast lamb, or slow-cooked beef dishes, and it’s equally satisfying alongside mushroom risotto or hard cheeses. Delicious now for its fruit concentration and smoothness, it will also cellar gracefully for up to a decade, developing greater savoury depth and complexity.