Barossa Boy Wines ‘Young Wisdom’ Mataro 2018
- 94
- $50
- Drink by: 2024 - 2035
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We don’t see a lot of 100% Mataro. Based on the evidence of this wine, that is a shame. I guess that it is fairly particular about where it grows and its success as a blender has given it both that role and that reputation.
This is under cork/diam, rather than the screwcaps which seal the other reds. From ancient vines in a dry-grown vineyard, we can see where the power in so many blends comes from. This is a Rocky Balboa of a wine – concentrated, intense, muscular (although it has nothing to do with anything Italian). Black fruits, powerful tannins and serious length. It really needs time and it is worth noting that Trent advises that 2018 is “an outstanding vintage for Mataro” in the Barossa.
I do have one bone to pick. Trent (and or advisors) have done the usual thing and offered some serving suggestions for this wine. Pulled pork, Chinese roast duck – all good. But blue cheese? Not at the point of a gun. I think that would destroy both wine and cheese. I can think of very few things which would be worse. Well, perhaps one. Trent’s final choice. Ice-cream. No, no, no, no! Why?
That aside, a cracking example of Mataro and one you should definitely try. Just not with blue cheese or ice-cream.
Ken was born and bred in Brisbane, Queensland. He had a non-trendy, perfectly happy childhood, in a family convinced alcohol meant instant condemnation to Hades. But a break fishing on the Great Barrier Reef, and some good wine, started a serious obsession that eventually took over. It did not stop Ken being chastised later for drinking Pol champagne, disgusted he’d drink anything made by a Cambodian dictator. Now, Ken mostly writes on wine, champagne and spirits for various newspapers, magazines and books, but is perhaps best known for his work in The Courier Mail. He also has a little sideline writing on cigars, fishing, travel and food. When not writing, fly-fishing for trout in NZ or bonefish on the flats of Cuba, travelling or smoking cigars, he is no doubt following a variety of sporting teams – the occasionally glorious Queensland Reds rugby, the dysfunctional Washington Redskins, the dodgy Arsenal and especially revels in the world restored to its proper axis with the return of the Ashes to their rightful home.
