The Wine Front – "It’s the best Shiraz/Grenache/Tempranillo/Merlot blend I can recall tasting, or so I quipped back in August 2023, while tasting this with incoming winemaker Tim Shand. I’m trying it again now, as it wasn’t released back then. This vintage is the first with Tim at the controls. No SO2 added here.
Juicy, sweet red berries, cherry cola, a little earthy and peppery, baking spice. Fleshy, bright, but lovely texture and fine silty tannin, some meatiness, but succulent and juicy to close, with a gentle hit of bitterness. Good stuff. The shape of things to come at Voyager, perhaps." - Gary Walsh (The Wine Front)
James Halliday – "Tim Shand took over as chief winemaker in late 2022, so this wine represents one of the first under his guardianship – and a brand-new one to boot. Very much in the Yarra Valley dry-red vein, no surprise given he spent more than a decade in that region, though this is a Margaret River version. A blend of 40/20/20% shiraz/grenache/tempranillo, all whole bunches, and 20% merlot, which is destemmed but left as whole berries, each parcel fermented separately and popped into old oak for three months before blending. It’s a cracking wine. Lovely supple tannins, tangy and juicy acidity with the core of bright, red-accented fruit flavours all in line and an attractive leesy flavour, too. Super-fresh and vibrant all the way through. Gluggable comes to mind, so does delicious. It’s not about ageability or complexity, Vivid Red is about drinkability and for a lighter-framed style, this is excellent. Don’t be afraid to chill this down in warmer weather. Don’t be afraid to drink it with gusto, and best to do so as it’s preservative free." - Jane Faulkner (Halliday Wine Companion)
James Halliday – The 2021 Le Fauve Rouge is a blend of Orange Pinot Noir and Hilltops Tempranillo. The colour is so vibrant it almost halts traffic, the perfume of the juicy red fruits and transcendent notes of exotic spices and gossamer tannins resulting in a wine with no “drink to” guides. It’s ready now, but will coast through to the end of the year. James Halliday
James Halliday – Expansive, full of flavour and textural, this is yet another exciting release of the estate rosé. Red apples, raspberry, lemony acidity and oodles of exotic market spices. Finer and more precise than the 2020 release, in line with the cool year that birthed it. - Erin Larkin, Halliday Wine Companion
The Wine Front – “55% Tempranillo and 45% Malbec. One of the most distinctive red wines in the country, this one. Blackberry, dark cherry, toasted hazelnut, bitter dark chocolate, slight paprika, rosemary and floral notes. It’s robust, ferrous and rich, black olives, inky and spicy, raspberry pip acidity, with a deep but lively red fruited finish of excellent length. A bit more rugged this year, but such a good wine.” Gary Walsh, The Wine Front April 2023
James Halliday – "Jubey. Floral, Grapey. Like biting, sucking and slurping the ripest grapes you can imagine, before licking the remnants from your sticky fingers. Hedonic, without being a floozy. Turkish delight, anise, persimmon and oodles of blue fruits, corralled by just the right degree of tannic grit. This should get a firm workout by the sophisticated barbecue." Ned Goodwin MW. Halliday Wine Companion
James Halliday – Estate-grown fruit from 25-year-old vines. The wine was fermented in a 3000L French oak vat before being matured in seasoned puncheons. A medium and bright crimson red. Quite a step up on last year's version, you'll find aromas of dark cherry and plum fruit together with dried herbs and spice. Medium bodied and ripe without going too far, the tannins are firm yet in balance with the fruit. I can only see this developing further over the next 3-4 years. - Philip Rich
James Halliday – Matured in used French oak only, which has allowed the fruit flavours to shine through. Smart wine making. It offers an assortment of berried fruit flavours with iodine, clove, mint, lavender and ferrous-like aspects resting on top. It's fresh, attractive and an enjoyable wine to drink. - Campbell Mattinson
James Halliday – Predominantly shiraz from the Wallcliffe subregion of Margaret River. A pale copper blush with light cherry and plums sprinkled with some spice and fresh herbs. Juicy, tangy and soft. - Jane Faulkner
James Halliday – A blend of tempranillo, mataro and grenache from three Clare Valley vineyard sites. We've got a live one here! Juicy and ultra-fresh feeling, a bit sweet-fruited and sticky in texture but delivers a pleasing mix of ripe cherry, plummy fruit characters, woody and peppery spice mix and cola/sarsaparilla notes. There's a lushness in the texture, but it finishes fresh enough and with a smidge of tannin. The perfume is ebullient and lively. In all that, a wine of immediate sensory appeal. - Mike Bennie
Tempranillo, often referred to as Spain's noble grape, thrives in various regions across the country, each producing wines with unique character and nuance. In its homeland of Rioja, it benefits from a continental climate and varying altitudes, leading to wines that are elegant, with age-worthy potential. Here, the intricate dance of aging in oak barrels imparts notes of vanilla and leather to the already fruit-forward profile of the grape.
Over in Ribera del Duero, the grape adopts a slightly more robust persona, characterized by darker fruit profiles and a firmer structure. The variety's adaptability is also showcased in regions like La Mancha and Navarra, where innovative winemakers experiment with modern techniques to produce vibrant, contemporary styles.
Yet, regardless of the region or style, what remains consistent is Tempranillo's embodiment of Spanish heritage. Its ability to convey a sense of place, history, and tradition in every sip makes it a cherished varietal among enthusiasts and novices alike.
Tempranillo is a prominent red grape variety that finds its roots in Spain and plays a starring role in some of the country's most celebrated wines. The name "Tempranillo" is derived from the Spanish word 'temprano', meaning early, which alludes to the grape's tendency to ripen earlier than most Spanish reds. In the glass, Tempranillo wines often exhibit a ruby-red hue with flavors ranging from red fruits like strawberries and cherries to deeper notes of plum, leather, and tobacco. These wines can be enjoyed young, but the finest examples age gracefully, developing more complex, earthy undertones over time.
Spain's wine regions have championed the Tempranillo grape, with Rioja and Ribera del Duero being its most acclaimed appellations. Within these regions, wines such as Marqués de Riscal, Vega Sicilia, and La Rioja Alta are just a few of the iconic labels that wine aficionados associate with top-quality Tempranillo. These wines, characterized by their depth, elegance, and aging potential, have elevated Tempranillo's global status, making it synonymous with Spanish viniculture's prowess.
Tempranillo is a versatile grape and, as such, is crafted into various wine styles. While many are familiar with the full-bodied, oak-aged reds from regions like Rioja, there are also joven (young) Tempranillos which see little to no oak and are meant for early consumption. Crianza, Reserva, and Gran Reserva are classifications based on aging criteria, with Gran Reservas often aged for several years, acquiring sophisticated nuances. Rosado (rosé) versions of Tempranillo are also produced, offering a lighter and fruitier take on this classic grape.
In Rioja, wines such as the Gran Reserva 904 from La Rioja Alta and Marqués de Riscal's Gran Reserva stand out. In Ribera del Duero, the Unico from Vega Sicilia remains an enduring benchmark. These wines epitomize the potential of Tempranillo, showcasing balance, depth, and the ability to evolve gracefully over the years.
Tempranillo's rich and varied flavor profile makes it an excellent companion to a wide range of dishes. Traditional Spanish cuisine, such as lamb chops, chorizo, and Manchego cheese, harmonize beautifully with its flavors. For those craving international flair, Tempranillo pairs well with grilled meats, hearty stews, and even certain pasta dishes. Its versatility at the table ensures that whether you're indulging in tapas or a gourmet meal, Tempranillo enhances every culinary experience.
We aim to have all wines be vintage specific. In the case the listed vintage is out of stock and you note you would like that particular vintage, we will inform you via email for approval to go ahead.
Delivery Times
To be able to supply such a unique & extensive range of boutique wines, we don't hold much of the inventory. So with us, there is the added step of receiving the wine from our local suppliers before it is dispatched to you. Most orders are dispatched within 3-6 working days.
Quality Guarantee
Replacement or refund offered if bottles are faulty or damaged. All our deliveries are insured against loss, however you must notify us in a reasonable amount of time.
Sending a Gift
If you would like to include a gift message with your order, please enter that in the order instructions section. We'll print your message in a lovely font on A5 paper. We also won't include the invoice. Tracking will be sent to the email on file.
We aim to have all wines be vintage specific. In the case the listed vintage is out of stock and you note you would like that particular vintage, we will inform you via email for approval to go ahead.
To be able to supply such a unique & extensive range of boutique wines, we don't hold much of the inventory. So with us, there is the added step of receiving the wine from our local suppliers before it is dispatched to you. Most orders are dispatched within 3-6 working days.
Replacement or refund offered if bottles are faulty or damaged. All our deliveries are insured against loss, however you must notify us in a reasonable amount of time.
If you would like to include a gift message with your order, please enter that in the order instructions section. We'll print your message in a lovely font on A5 paper. We also won't include the invoice. Tracking will be sent to the email on file.