Esperanza Tempranillo 2011 (McLaren Vale, SA)

14%, Screwcap, $35
Source: Sample
www.esperanza-wine.com

The companion wine to the Monastrell and just as well packaged. The juice inside suffers thanks to some vintage vagaries but the concept shows much promise.

Sticks + cranberry fruit. Has the 2011 vintag, ‘is this Yarra Valley fruit’ herbal lift and fragrance underwritten by quite pretty, delicate fruit, if lacking the ripeness you’d expect in Vale Tempranillo. It tastes atypical too, leaner and more soapy textured with pronounced acidity and firm, raspy tannins.

Whilst I like the spice, this really just needs more fruit ripeness to properly impress.

Drink: 2012-2018+
Score: 15.5/85