Quattro Mano ‘La Reto’ Tempranillo 2014

An old, low-yielding, Barossa vineyard delivers a wine full of character. ‘La Reto” Tempranillo is built for distance and — much like a Rioja ‘Reserva’ wine — oaked for 36 months. This is a matured bottle with anise, chocolate powder, wet earth and subtle blueberry notes. On the palate it’s dense, structured and full bodied with a ripe style including  plum, prune and spice box definition.  I prepared bacon and leek fettuccine served with a creamy mushroom sauce and topped with crushed walnuts. The aged characters of the wine synced with the mushroom and combined nicely with the bacon and walnut, making it an intensely earthy combination. As I washed down the food, the wine in isolation offers a lingering finish of raspberry jam and soft notes of anise. La Reto Tempranillo offers intensity of aroma and flavour as it is made with top quality fruit and an oak regime to match. A wine for the long haul.