Tim Smith’s super new Reserve Mataro

Tim Smith Wines Reserve Barossa Mataro 2015

I first got wind of this wine earlier in the year when hassling Tim for a vintage report. He let slip that the first ever Tim Smith Wines (TSW) Reserve Mataro was in the works, and likely that there would be a ’16 version too.

Fast forward a few months and here it is on the bench (and looking good).

I like this little spiel from Tim on the back label:

‘The first release TSW Reserve Mataro shows all the great attributes I look for in the variety. Suffice to say it’s inspired by drinking a lot of the worlds great examples. A tasting note would be superfluous.’

Deep and savoury, this has lots going on. Dark red ruby coloured, this smells of dark berries, leather, truffle and blood and bone. Real Mataro/Mourvedre/Monastrell/whatever you want to call it. Palate is dry and concentrated with inky, dense black fruit, no obvious oak influence and that limitless varietal savoury depth.

What I really like is how even this is, with alcohol in place and great concentration. The acidity seems a little pithy, but that’s my only quibble. Love the black jelly bean fruit. High quality, and even better in 12-24 months time. Best drinking: 2018-2030. 18.5/20, 94/100+. 13.5%, $85. Would I buy it? Pricey, but I’d happily drink a bottle.