Purple Hands Mataro Grenache Shiraz 2021

You don’t often see mataro or mourvedre taking the lead role in red blends, usually with shiraz and grenache. It’s generally the spice, sprinkled over other varieties, to give a much needed savoury bite. I wish there were more of them around, though, as mourvedre’s dark heart can add a hell of a lot of interest when it is done right, as it is here.

Deeply coloured, it’s a big, chunky, hearty red. Rich blackberry and mulberry fruits are on display with nice touches of new leather, animal fur and with some spice thrown in. That is followed by a meaty and textural palate with mataro’s dense fruit underpinned by supple but significant tannins that provide ample support. It’s a proud Barossan with good drinking potential over the medium term.