Tulloch JYT Selection 2011

A curious blend this, combining Hunter Valley Shiraz and Orange Tempranillo. An odd choice considering that Orange has minimal Tempranillo in the ground and a climate that you wouldn’t normally associate with Temp. Still, why not eh?

Ultimately this wine is carried by Hunter Shiraz, the palate flowing along with that lovely Hunter purple berry juiciness and travelling along nicely. There’s a hint of caramel chew Tempranillo through the mid palate, but otherwise little else you’d really attribute to the Orange interloper. What’s annoying is that the finish which looks lumpy, warm and ripe, with a shape that suggests said nondescript Temp might be derailing things with its spice and, well, alcohol.

Close, yet can’t help this would have been better as a straight varietal.

Drink: 2013-2020
Score: 16/20, 87/100
Would I buy it? Not quite.