2017 Mystery Adelaide Hills Montepulciano Deal No. 94

A vibrant but dark red in the glass, with a decidely dark Cherry fruited nose with touches of earth and tar before sweeter oak is folded through.

From my tastings of many “Monte’s” from around the world and Australia, it is deemed a good alternative to Shiraz. A variety that is very late in ripening and is as tough as they come. I like to drink Monte and hence I have wanted to make one for a long time. The vineyard is in the northern side of the Adelaide Hills. It is on a tough piece of dirt and yet it seems to survive and even laugh at this.  The grapes were slowly fermented and part of this batch was given extended time on skins. The result is a wine with great tannin structure suited to food with lingering fruit that opens up with air.