Dandelion Vineyards Damsel of the Barossa Merlot 2023
G 92
Damsel always represents the best old vine Merlot the team can offer from its own vineyards. The wine finishes fermentation in older French oak barriques and then spends a year and a half maturing in that same oak. The colour is a deep crimson/ garnet. The immediate impression on the nose is of rich fruitcake notes. There are hints of dried herbs and plum pudding along with mulberries and raspberries, before some chocolate emerges on the palate. A wine of medium length with fine sleek tannins. Attractive drinking now and over the next three to six years. Drink now–2030 Dandelion Vineyards March Hare of the Barossa Mataro 2022 G 92 March Hare seems a good moniker for this variety – you’d need to be a bit crazy to be making wine from it, but when you do, it certainly leaves an impression. Apparently, my version of the reasoning behind the name has no validation and the reality it that the vineyard can be overrun with hares attacking the grapes when they first start to colour (the grapes, not the hares). The vineyard is at Marananga and the wine spent 20 months maturing in older French oak barriques. The colour is a vibrant but inky dark purple. The nose swirls through aromas of plums, cassis, florals, chocolate, black cherries and liquorice. This is rich and bold. The structure provides a firm palate with sleek tannins. The length is good, but the wine remains firm for the full journey. An attractive example of Mataro and one which is very much true to the variety. Enjoy for the next 10 to 12 years. Drink now–2036 Earthworks Barossa Shiraz 2022 G 92 Sourced from a range of growers throughout the Barossa, the wine spent 10 months maturing in a mix of French, American and Hungarian oak. Crimson/purple, there are aromas of roast meats, dark fruits, warm earth, florals, raspberries and plums. Good length here with impressive intensity and sleek tannins so would be perfect for a steak or a good barbecue. Good value to enjoy over the next six to eight years. Drink now–2032 Earthworks Barossa Tempranillo 2022 G 92 Spain’s famous variety transported to South Australia where it underwent a cool fermentation. This is a bright crimson in colour with the nose suggesting red fruits, especially cherries and raspberries, with spices and vanilla. Showing juicy acidity, fine tannins and good length, this is a mouthwatering style, which lingers nicely with a hint of sour cherries on the finish. Enjoy this now and over the next four to five years. Drink now–2029
142
The Vintage Journal – Regional Focus
Powered by FlippingBook