Old Plains Mistura 2014 (Barossa, SA)
14%, Screwcap, $18

Here is a wine to rewrite the expectations about what the Portuguese varieties can achieve in Australia.

The old vine whisperer – aka Dom Torzi – has managed to unearth 41 year old Touriga, Tinta Amarela and Tinta Cao vines in the heart of the Barossa at Stockwell, harnessing these old vine stocks to create a joven style red blend of absolute character and vitality.

An awesome ink purple maroon colour, this is a really juicy and pithy young red, loaded with both blackberry and cherry ‘fruitiness’ through the mid palate with a typically tangy, yet utterly juicy finish. It’s not profound, but the intensity of flavour and energy here makes this utterly delicious – it’s just feels like drinking from the cask of a Dao producer transplanted to the Barossa.

Admirably charismatic and juicy young red.

Source: Sample
Tasted: Nov 14
Drink: 2014-2017
Score: 17/20, 90/100
Would I drink it? If I spotted this on a list somewhere with a predilection for chorizo I’d be jumping.
Buy online: Old Plains website