For one reason or another, Mataro plays third fiddle to Shiraz and Grenache. Perhaps it’s because it lacks the easy fruit sweetness of the other two. Mataro’s natural savoury tannins may also put a few off. Much is the pity as straight Mataro when mature can be a thing of beauty.
Many would say that Bandol is the reference point for Mataro/Mourvedre. That may well be the case. However, when done well, Barossa Valley Mataro can more than match it with its Provencal rival.
The team at Torbreck know a thing or two about Mataro, making Australia’s most expensive incarnation of the variety. At $30 a bottle, ‘Kyloe’ is a relative bargain. Much has been said and written of the damp 2011 vintage in southern Australia. Relatively little has been said of the vintage’s successes. Without a doubt, this is one of them.
Five years on from vintage, it is mature in a very attractive way – meaty, earthy, gamey and savoury. There is a hell of a lot to like here and a reminder on two fronts a) do not write off a vintage and b) this is why we cellar wine, mature examples can be delicious!
2011 TORBRECK ‘KYLOE’ MATARO
Producer: Torbreck
Variety: Mourvedre
Region: Barossa Valley, South Australia
ABV: 15.0%
Closure: Natural cork
Retail Price: $30.00
Date tasted: 10 March 2015
Tasting Note:
Bright ruby fading slightly at the rim. Meaty and gamey nose, slightly earthbound, floral notes, coffee grinds. Dry, full bodied, savoury, meaty, funky, autumnal. Fully resolved, mature and utterly delicious. Excellent result from a challenging year.
Score: 17.5/20
Many would say that Bandol is the reference point for Mataro/Mourvedre. That may well be the case. However, when done well, Barossa Valley Mataro can more than match it with its Provencal rival.
The team at Torbreck know a thing or two about Mataro, making Australia’s most expensive incarnation of the variety. At $30 a bottle, ‘Kyloe’ is a relative bargain. Much has been said and written of the damp 2011 vintage in southern Australia. Relatively little has been said of the vintage’s successes. Without a doubt, this is one of them.
Five years on from vintage, it is mature in a very attractive way – meaty, earthy, gamey and savoury. There is a hell of a lot to like here and a reminder on two fronts a) do not write off a vintage and b) this is why we cellar wine, mature examples can be delicious!
2011 TORBRECK ‘KYLOE’ MATAROProducer: Torbreck
Variety: Mourvedre
Region: Barossa Valley, South Australia
ABV: 15.0%
Closure: Natural cork
Retail Price: $30.00
Date tasted: 10 March 2015
Tasting Note:
Bright ruby fading slightly at the rim. Meaty and gamey nose, slightly earthbound, floral notes, coffee grinds. Dry, full bodied, savoury, meaty, funky, autumnal. Fully resolved, mature and utterly delicious. Excellent result from a challenging year.
Score: 17.5/20
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