Description

This is everything I love about Tempranillo. And it is not often I say that about Mclaren Vale Tempranillo. It is very much in the Spanish style so is silky, aromatic with some savoury earthy notes. Soft tannins and some layered flavours. It is easy drinking but has enough complexity for a wine lover (like me).  Pair with a lamb and couscous salad. Drink Paxton McLaren Vale Tempranillo over the next 7 years or so.

Growing grapes since 1979, David Paxton has built a reputation quality. Supplying grapes to top Australian brands from his vineyards he realised they were ending up in their top wines. In 2000 he released his first wine. 2011 saw the vineyards be certified as biodynamic.

McLaren Vale

The maritime climate and sandy soils of McLaren Vale make it a great place for growing grapes. Reds in particular excel here. Shiraz of course, but the Spanish varieties Grenache and Tempranillo seem well suited too. The maritime climate helps mitigate some of the heat from the SA summers and the sandy soils mean that phylloxera could not survive and so they have some of the oldest vines in the world.

Tempranillo

Top-quality grape grown all over the Iberian Peninsula (with many pseudonyms). It can be used for Rosado or Joven (released after 6 months) all the way up to Gran Reserva (60 months in the winery). It ages very well and top examples are said to compare to Burgundy. Cherry and cola are typical descriptors, it has moderate to low acid, moderate tannin and the naturally high pH allows for a silky mouthfeel that is not seen in other red wines.