2022 Oates Ends Tempranillo
The 2022 has beautiful red and black cherries with a hint of wild herbs. On the palate it’s a mouthful of juicy red cherry and warm, sun-ripened strawberry fruit. It displays the Spanish varieties hallmark tangy acidity and chalklike tannins, giving it a beguiling, elegant, dusty finish.
Andrew Caillard – The Vintage Journal 93 points. “Medium-deep crimson. Fresh cranberry, raspberry aromas and flavours with cola notes. Pastille fruited with lovely lacy textures and long fine minerally juicy acidity. Very good impact, pace and length. Drink now-2027.”
Angus Hughson - The Wine Pilot. 92 points. "This 2022 Tempranillo is a controlled edition, gently fragrant cooked raspberry, plum skin, violets and spice – a fascinating expression with lovely youthful vibrancy to the overall package. A bit of tension too with fine but firm tannins drawing out an elegant pinpoint balance finish. Surely in the top handful of Australian Tempranillos."
Ray Jordan - Ray Jordan Wine 92 points. “The tempranillos from Oates Ends are consistently some of the best in the State. This one from the warm '22 vintage is yet another. The riper vintage has resulted in bright plump juicy fruit which is what you want with this variety. Cherry and raspberry notes with a dusty earthy influence. Great current drinking and if you want to chill lightly you have my blessing.” Cellar 6 years.
WINEMAKING: Harvested in the cool of the night to retain maximum fruit aroma and flavour the Tempranillo has a very short, warm fermentation in small open top fermenters with hand plunging to maintain a fresh and juicy style. The wine was pressed to complete fermentation in large french oak puncheons. In 2022 a very small percentage of new oak was used. Maturation occurs for 9 months to ensure the oak does not overwhelm the inherent generous fruitiness of the variety.
VINTAGE: The 2022 vintage was warm and dry. Perfect ripening and a naturally small crop gave very fresh and fragrant reds with good levels of natural acidity and moderate alcohol. A perfect vintage for Tempranillo where harvest was carried out at optimum ripeness and excellent berry condition.
CELLARING AND SERVING: The Tempranillo is made and released for immediate enjoyment, though will develop up to around 5 years, showing complex earthy, smoked savoury notes with age. It is the ultimate BB Q wine and a fantastic match for grilled meats, pizza and Spanish food.