John Duval Annexus Mataro 2016

Would you believe that this is ex-Penfolds winemaker John Duval’s first ever straight Mataro? Like Grenache, Barossa Mataro/Mourvedre/Monastrell/choose your name is enjoying a well earned revival and I’m all for it.

This fits more into the modern Mataro style than some of the rustic winess floating about and with no shortage of appeal. Off a 100 year old vineyard at Light Pass, it’s a generous and plush style that tends towards quite juicy purple fruit, it’s expressive and generous, varietal and pure. Doesn’t quite hit pack in the complexity (yet) but its certainly certainly pretty and v. easy to enjoy.

Best drinking: Now and will drink for 15 years easily. 18/20, 93/100. 14%, $70. Would I buy it? I’d drink it but not necessarily buy it