Hewitson Old Garden Vineyard Mourvèdre 2021

A special wine and no mere curio, Old Garden Vineyard is home to what is believed to be the world’s oldest Mourvèdre vines, planted in 1853. It’s a treat to taste. Lovely lifted florals and intense red fruit aromas invade the glass. With 18 months spent in new French oak barriques, the role of oak can’t be denied. It brings a charry smoky cedary influence, joining black cherry, plum, baking spices and a delightful pepperiness to the warm-hearted palate. Throughout, there is an under-current of meaty-bacon-smoked charcuterie which tantalises. Day two, it was possibly even in better form.