Oliver’s Taranga Vineyards Mencía 2023

Mencía hails from Bierzo in northwestern Spain where its affinity for a Mediterranean climate has ensured it is very much at home in McLaren Vale. This delightful example pours the deep purple of black cherry juice as the same inky fruit continues in the aromas, against a backdrop of deep, earthy spice. It tastes like ripe plums, baked blueberries and crystallised violets. There’s minerality akin to sea-sprayed volcanic rock and tannins the texture of a graphite drawing pencil. In Bierzo they pair this with grilled meat, and with our Aussie love for BBQ, it seems appropriate to learn from the experts.