CANBERRA TIMES - Chris Shanahan, June 2011 Peter and Christie Schulz's Turkey Flat vineyard has Shiraz vines dated from 1847, as well as mature, dry-grown mourvedre vines, source of this wine. It's deeply coloured, purple rimmed and on first opening the oak influence is obvious (20 months in new and seasoned French puncheons). But tasted over several days, the beautiful ripe and spicy fruit dominates a rich but gracefully structured wine - and oak becomes background seasoning, adding as well to the substantial tannin structure of the wine. Rating: 4 Stars
Encounters with unblended Australian Mataro (also known as Mourvèdre) are rare. The origins of Mataro are almost certainly Spanish where it is often called Monastrell. It is the principal black grape of the five appellations that cluster on Spain's South-eastern Mediterranean Coast.
A very late variety in both bud break and ripening season, the Barossa Valley is one of the few areas in Australia that can successfully ripen Mataro. One of the original grapes grown in the Barossa Valley, Mataro thrives in the hot and dry conditions of a Barossa summer.
The wine produced from Mataro’s small, sweet, thick-skinned berries tend to be deeply coloured, rich in spice, high in alcohol and tannin, gamey when young and full of fruit.
Ripeness levels are critical to producing Mataro with this rich level of fruit & spice. Careful selection of French oak enhances the fruit characters and structure of this wine.
Enjoy with: Honest foods of the earth; slow-roast lamb, game with wild mushrooms & thyme or roasted 5-spice duck.
2009 Vintage Tasting notes
The 2009 Mourvèdre displays heady aromas of plum, sandalwood, anise and violet. A complex and layered palate of fresh mulberries, white pepper and licorice finishes with a long persistent tannin structure.
Download: Tasting notes and info pack.
Reviews and Awards
2009 Mourvedre - beautiful, ripe and spicy fruit
James Halliday on the 2009 Mourvedre
WINE COMPANION, January 2012 Deep colour from old vines aged for 20 months in French oak puncheons (500L) thus thoroughly taming the tannins without subduing the fragrant plum fruit of the bouquet and palate alike. Rating: 94
2009 Mourvedre - grace and longevity
AUSTRALIAN DOCTOR NATIONAL MAGAZINE -March 2012 Mourvedre in the Barossa is overlooked and it shouldn't be, as it has shiraz's power with the extra dimensions of spice, acid and white pepper overtones. The wine has grace and longevity. Ten years.
Another winning Mourvedre
THE WINE FRONT - Campbell Mattinson, June 2011 on the 2009 vintage This mourvedre from Turkey Flat spent 20 months in French oak puncheons. We have another winning mourvedre here. It's dark berried and earthen, leathery and polished. Spicy, cedary oak makes a delicious contribution and its grainy, assertive, rusty tannin is a highlight. Lovely length. Medium-bodied but almost porty in its ripeness. Beautiful wine to drink even now though it can be cellared with confidence too. Rating: 94 Points