Portuguese style Aussie red: Coates The Iberian 2013

Each and every one of these Coates reds have impressed, and this is no different.

A blend of Touriga Nacional, Tempranillo, Monastrell, Syrah, Carignan, Garnacha Cinsault and Malbec (what a blend), this Coates The Iberian 2013 is sourced from Langhorne Creek & McLaren Vale and spends 20 months in oak…

Deep ruby, it smells vaguely of a Douro red, which is great to see given that this is called ‘The Iberian’. There’s that edge of dried red fruit and plum which is the Touriga giveaway, plus cranberry, blood plum and more. It’s tangy, juicy, utterly savoury, yet still ripe and generous. Importantly, this doesn’t lack for acidity. It’s ripe and full, but not overwrought, the form medium bodied with light tannins and a dash of spice.

Love to try this against some Portuguese reds – would be really interesting. Oh and smart wine for $25! Best drinking: 2017-2026. 17.7/20, 92/100. 14%, $25. Would I buy it? I’d go a few glasses.