Tar & Roses Trempranillo 2011, Heathcote/Alpine Valleys, Victoria, Australia

 

 

Here is an anomaly, a Tempranillo from Australia, which definitely smells like a Tempranillo, with aromas of raspberry, black cherry, dusty, cedar, black licorice, black pepper and Moroccan spices. On the mouthfeel, medium bodied (with alcohol at 13%), dark fruit and savoury flavours with fresh acidity and firm tannins. Great length on the finish, with robust flavours and texture with those same dusty tannins lingering till the end. A very enjoyable and interesting young wine, best to cellar an additional 2-3 years and best paired with a lamb dish. Tar & Roses Tempranillo 2011 would make a great phantom wine in any Spanish blind tasting, see who can pick out the intruder. Strongly recommended, score 90 points.

Purchased July 21, 2012 LCBO Vintages New Release (280198) at $24.95

Tar and Roses Shiraz 2010, Heathcote, Victoria, Australia

The fruit originated from both Heathcote 86% and Strathbogie Ranges 14%, maturation taking place in French oak (24% new) for 12 months and alcohol coming in at 14.5%.

Awesome nose on this Shiraz with aromas of black cherry, ripe wild berries, black pepper, smoky, chocolate savoury spices, light mineral and floral notes. On the mouthfeel, full bodied, creamy with great structure and style, fresh acidity and dusty tannins. This wine’s finish is rich, creamy, tasty with a very good length. Lots of everything on this Shiraz, but not overdone. Love this wine, very good value, returned to purchase 2 more. Score 90 points.

Purchased August 18, 2012 LCBO New Release (282731) at $21.95