Mitchell Harris Mourvedre Grenache Shiraz 2011 (Pyrenees, Vic)
13%, Screwcap, $26.95
Source: Sample
www.mitchellharris.com.au
There has been something of a push towards planting Rhone red grape varieties in the Pyrenees/Grampians over recent years, led by producers such as Allen Hart at DogRock who is pushing Grenache, and the likes of Taltarni and Bests whom have had Mourvedre planted for years.
The only challenge really is that, like anywhere else, Grenache, Mourvedre and Shiraz all need sunshine and heat to really get ripe and show their best (less so Shiraz, but Grenache needs it particularly so). Heat and sunshine that really wasn’t around in the 2011 western Victorian vintage…
You can see that lack of warmth and light in this wine actually, which is missing the trademark flesh and fullness of John Harris’ other wines. It looks very light too, the nose showing gentle redcurrant fruit in a spicy, weak red cordial form. That spice is quite welcome and intriguing, but the dilution and high acid on the palate doesn’t help to bring a complete wine, finishing raw and lacking in fruit generosity.
Not quite there in terms of flavour concentration, but certainly spicy and pretty, this is just a bit lean and pointed to be all that tasty.
Drink: 2013-2016
Score: 16/20 87/100
Would I buy it? No, I’d hang out for the 2012.
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