Mount Majura Vineyard - Tempranillo Barrel Tasting

I was lucky enough to attend the winery for a barrel tasting of their 2017 vintage tempranillo from each of their three blocks. This tasting also included a comparison of an aged vintage (2006) and the current vintage (2016).

• 2017 Mount Majura Tempranillo Rock Block

  Australia, New South Wales, Southern New South Wales, Canberra District

  Quite aromatic [medium(+) aroma] showing red fruits of sour cherry and redcurrant with subtle eucalyptus notes. There is a hint of dried fruit if left to sit in the glass. Not overly tannic or acidic; well-balanced.
  
  [Note: this was part of a barrel tasting; full assessment not performed]

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• 2017 Mount Majura Tempranillo Dry Spur

  Australia, New South Wales, Southern New South Wales, Canberra District

  This wine is quite savoury with some gamey notes. Very subtle blackcurrant was detected after some vigorous swirling. The tannins are quite bold and chalky.
  
  [Note: this was part of a barrel tasting; full assessment not performed]

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• 2017 Mount Majura Tempranillo Little Dam

  Australia, New South Wales, Southern New South Wales, Canberra District

  Very subtle [medium(-) aroma] showing notes of blueberry and graphite. Quite acidic [about the medium(+) level] with very soft powdery tannins.
  
  [Note: this was part of a barrel tasting; full assessment not performed]

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• 2006 Mount Majura Tempranillo 86 Points

  Australia, New South Wales, Southern New South Wales, Canberra District

  Clear. Deep ruby with tears.
  
  Clean, developing nose with medium intensity aromas. The eucalyptus notes are quite dominant, and are supported by blackcurrant and dried blackberry.
  
  The wine is dry with medium(+) acidity, medium(+) body, and medium(+) alcohol. The tannins are of medium(+) level, are sandy and hold onto the gums like masking tape. The flavours have a medium intensity and follow the nose with notes of eucalyptus, blackcurrant, and dried blackberry. The finish has a medium(+) length.
  
  This is a very good quality wine. The fruit is well-balanced with the acidity and the alcohol. The oak is well-integrated allowing the fruit to express itself. The tannins are quite grippy but enjoyable. The wine has a pleasant finish with a great concentration of flavour (the alcohol does not dominate), and good length. While the oak treatment is very subtle, the wine shows complexity with tertiary aromas and flavours of dried fruit.
  
  The wine drinks well now, but has potential for further ageing.

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• 2016 Mount Majura Tempranillo 85 Points

  Australia, New South Wales, Southern New South Wales, Canberra District

  Clear. Deep ruby with tears.
  
  Clean, developing nose with medium intensity aromas. The wine is very savoury, showing meaty and gamey notes, supported by very subtle blackberry.
  
  The wine is dry with medium(+) acidity, medium(+) body, and medium(+) alcohol. The tannins are of medium(+) level, are sandy and hold onto the gums like masking tape. The flavours have a medium intensity and follow the nose with savoury notes of meat and game, and subtle blackberry. The finish has a medium(+) length.
  
  This is a good quality wine. The fruit is well-balanced with the acidity and the alcohol. The oak integration if very subtle. The tannins are quite grippy but enjoyable. The wine has a pleasant finish with a great concentration of flavour (the alcohol does not dominate), and good length. The wine is yet to show tertiary aromas and flavours.
  
  The wine drinks well now, but has potential for ageing.

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It was great to experience a wine that is in the process of being made. Also meeting the winemaker and gaining an insight into the three blocks was very interesting. Will look to do this again next year.