Hewitson

For almost a decade now Hewitson has worked with a very small vineyard of Tempranillo at Basham’s Beach, located 30km south of McLaren Vale at the southern end of the Mount Lofty Ranges within the Adelaide Super Zone. Situated on the edge of the Fleurieu Peninsula with its strong maritime influence, the Basham’s Beach vineyard has ideal climate and soils for growing this variety. Yet, to make a great wine takes time and persistence and so it was that 2006 provided us with the conditions to do just that.

I’d debate that Tempranillo generally likes a maritime climate as it seems to do best in Rioja and Ribera del Duero which, to the best of my knowledge, are both continental and fairly high altitude. No matter though, because the proof is in the pudding, and this particular pudding is outstanding. I also might add that I really like the quirky retro label that (to my mind at least) respectfully does a tip of the hat to the great Australian wines of yore.

This offers up a deep pool of lush berry fruit, licorice, chocolate, spice and tobacco that is so seductive you can’t but help but find yourself slipping under. On the palate full bodied with saturating sweet dark berry, cherry, chocolate, cola, dried herb and licorice flavours and superb mid-palate richness with an ample spread of plush velveteen tannins and a smooth creamy texture. Very long and satisfying. It’s a spectacular wine and almost irresistible. I miss it already.

Rated : 95 Points
Tasted : Dec07
Alcohol : 14.5%
Price : $69
Closure : Screwcap
Drink : 2008 - 2018+
Source : Winery Sample
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