Heirloom Touriga McLaren Vale 2023

Touriga seems like one of those grapes destined to be a curiosity and yet, there seems no reason that it is not ideally suited to certain Aussie conditions, like McLaren Vale. It is the top grape in Portugal, so expect to see more of it here. This is a fabulous introduction if it is something with which you are unfamiliar. From the Willunga region of McLaren Vale, bunch sorting, natural fermentation and basket pressing before nine months in French oak barriques. An inky dark magenta hue, the nose immediately offers big, bold black cherry notes. There is an aroma reminiscent of black jellybeans, with chocolate, aniseed, cassis and dry herbs. This has incredible length with a soft and supple texture, excellent intensity and impressive extraction. Balanced but bold. Enjoy over the next six to ten years. The best Aussie version of Touriga I have seen. The score may seem high and not the sort of thing one does with curiosities, but surely it is worth it.