There is sufficient evidence to suggest that the Spanish grape Tempranillo has a future in Australia. In its native Spain, it performs well in a number of sites and climates, in regions including Rioja, Navarra, Ribera del Duero and La Mancha. Better examples from Australia, such as those from Pondalowie Vineyards, capture the varietal essence of Tempranillo perfectly, combining plummy plumpness, with a savoury mid-palate and a lick of spice.
This effort from La Linea is bang on for varietal character; it is the sort of wine that is perfectly suited to the contemporary dinner table, be it with a Sunday roast, grilled meat straight off the barbecue and other dishes that suit our casual dining culture.
Made by Peter Leske, formerly of the Australian Wine Research Institute, with input from David le Mire MW, La Linea Tempranillo is sourced from two relatively cool sites in the Adelaide Hills. The wine sees maturation in seasoned oak barrels, allowing the fruit to take centre stage. In the glass, it is quintessential Tempranillo; plum, cherry, leather and tobacco vying for attention. There is a lot to like here, confirming the view that Tempranillo is a variety to look out for in the next decade.
TEMPRANILLO 2010 Producer: La Linea
Variety: Tempranillo et al
Vintage: 2010
Region: Adelaide Hills, South Australia
ABV: 14%
Closure: Screw cap
Retail Price: $27.99
Date tasted: 21 October 2012
Tasting Note:
Bright ruby red. Clean nose of plum, aniseed and clove. Dry, full bodied, plush and velvet mouthfeel, initially fruit driven, dominated by plum, cherry and damson, quickly moving to savoury (fig, leather, tobacco) on the mid-palate. Spice adds lift on the finish, which is framed by fine powdery tannins. Enjoy now and over the next 3-4 years.
Score: 16+/20
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