Weathercraft Beechworth Reserve Tempranillo 2021

‘Similar meticulous management as the Syrah, with handpicking, lower yields, and regulated deficit irrigation. 15% whole bunch. Initial cold soak. Wild fermentation. 3 weeks on skins post-alcoholic fermentation. Aged in a mix of French and American oak (barriques and puncheons), with 10% new oak for 18 months.’

I first tried the 2021 Temp at a tasting in Beechworth in May 2024 and instantly liked it, so it was great to then get a bottle to sit down with and take some time to get to know it. There’s really a lot to love about it, which starts with the complex and ebullient nose: mulberry, cassis, raspberry, black cherry, heaps of spice, vanilla, dried red and black fruits, tobacco leaf, and leather. The fruit is resonant on the palate, with mouth-watering acidity, and rich, concentrated flavours. It’d be a worthy alternative to many Spanish Temps, so it’ll be nice to see how it develops over the next five to ten years.

Brendan Black

Wine Critic at Winepilot

Brendan is a Melbourne-based writer, filmmaker, playwright and composer. Since 2013, he has been published in national and regional Australian titles such as Halliday Magazine, Gourmet Traveller Wine, Grapegrower and Winemaker, Gippslandia, Gippsland Lifestyle, Yarra Valley and Ranges and Gippsland Country Life magazines. Brendan was a finalist for 2024 Wine Communicator Awards in the 'Best Published Feature Article or Wine Column' category. He has completed the WSET Level 3 course (gaining a Distinction) and has a passion for small producers of wine, beer and spirits. He is also the co-editor of 'I'm Not a Film Star: David Bowie as Actor' for Bloomsbury Academic.

Author and wine writer