Terra Felix Mourvedre 2006 (Central Victoria)
$14.90 (ex winery), Screwcap

Mourvedre, aka Mataro aka Monastrell is a grape that deserves more attention in Australia. We have plenty of old vine stuff around the place, it seems to like our warm climate and it mixes well with ‘our’ old vine Shiraz & Grenache. Its an affable grape in that sense, but one that can stand up on its own. Here is a great value example.

A dark cherry red colour it has an edge of very slight tawny to it. Interesting that. On the nose it has volatile cherries, blackberries, plum jam, tar and spices. The palate its a touch raw with a big hit of spicy fruit sweetness at first, before filling out to a dry, spicy and hot back end. Its an interesting wine with extra layers of brambly dry fruit, all held up in a quite withdrawn fashion – its best years are definitely ahead of it. I’d argue that the alcohol is too high and it feels very extracted, but it does provide plenty of interest. Bloody good value. 15.0