Rolf Binder Barossa Valley Montepulciano 2020

This is ‘monte’ on steroids. Flavour-wise and alcohol-wise, the Italian grape variety meets Barossa Valley sunshine and goes large. Packed full of plum, black fruits, fruit cake and more, it is almost unrecognisable to some of the cooler climate Aussie examples of the grape starting to emerge. While the essence of the wine zeroes in on the intensity of ripe fruit, there is a thread of spice, particularly a lively bush mint and peppery character, that brings added interest and livens up the palate. Tannins aren’t shy so it is a match for some equally generously flavoured foods.