Montalto Pennon Hill Shiraz 2016
I was sceptical.
Broadly generalising, I can’t think of a single Mornington Shiraz that I’ve really wanted to buy. Sure, some of the Paringa ‘The Paringa’ releases can be impressively concentrated wines. But love them enough to want to go out and buy some? Nope.
As a result, I didn’t expect to want to drink this Montalto Shiraz. That voice in my head said ‘this is Pinot country Andrew’.
But my internal monologue was wrong – and this is a fun drink.
The reason why this wine works could come down to the winemaking complexity. Think multiple different ferments, some wild, some inoculated, with some batches including whole berries, some new oak, mostly old oak. Lots going on.
It’s delivered a delightful wine. A glossy, juicy, purple fruited, pepper-coated red that is just light to medium-bodied and yet packs in enough richness to not be weedy.
That silky purple glossiness is the appeal here, the style lithe and fresh with just a little alcohol warmth on the finish. Unforced, genuinely cool climate Mornington Shiraz that has a real slurpability to it. Best drinking: Now to say seven years. 17.7/20, 92/100. 14%, $28 at cellar door. Would I buy it? Sure would.
You might also like
2 Comments
What is your view on the Shiraz from Montalto’s near neighbour Foxey’s Hangout?
I find that your recommendations are often very aligned with my own tastes and they have provided me with lots of gems, however I would instinctively think Foxeys when asked for a Mornington Shiraz recommendation (although Yabby Lake Syrah is another favourite).
To be honest Doug I haven’t seen the Foxys Shiraz in yonks. Pinot yes, Shiraz no. Actually, you never see Foxys in the trade at all. Interesting.