2024 Oliver's Taranga Chica Mencia Small Batch Rose, McLaren Vale

Rosé is often scrutinised by its colour, and this ticks that box emphatically – rose gold and of shimmering clarity. From there everything follows suit, replete with classic refreshment across notes of watermelon, cool tamarillo, mandarin peel, sumac and ground cinnamon. There’s glide to the texture and a pleasing lightness overall, with acidity sitting neatly within the wine, everything serenely in place.

93 points Special Value Marcus Ellis winecompanion.com.au

Oliver’s Taranga Chica Mencia Small Batch Rosé from McLaren Vale is a fresh, vibrant, and delightfully offbeat take on rosé, crafted from the rare Spanish variety Mencía. Sourced from a small block on the Oliver family’s historic estate vineyard, this is a wine that celebrates curiosity, innovation, and pure summertime joy—delivering juicy fruit, fine texture, and just the right amount of savoury flair.

The Oliver family has been growing grapes in McLaren Vale for over 180 years, with sixth-generation vigneron Corrina Wright now at the helm. As part of her Small Batch series, Chica is all about experimentation in the winery and showcasing lesser-known varieties in fun, expressive styles. Mencía is almost unheard of in Australia, but on McLaren Vale’s ancient soils, it thrives—offering natural acidity, bright red fruit, and lifted aromatics.

Grapes for Chica are picked early to preserve freshness, then gently pressed and fermented cool in stainless steel to lock in aroma and vitality. The result is a dry, pale rosé with beautiful clarity and a textural edge that reflects both the variety and careful handling.

In the glass, expect aromas of wild strawberry, redcurrant, watermelon rind, and white flowers, with a hint of savoury spice and citrus peel. The palate is crisp and refreshing, with tangy red fruit, a subtle creamy texture, and a moreish, dry finish.

Chica is not your average rosé—it’s playful, precise, and refreshingly different. Perfect with tapas, summer salads, or as a chilled aperitif with friends.