2024 Mencia

Absolutely brilliant, this is such a good slurp. A sexy medium-bodied wine that seduces you with little effort, pour this Mencia from Oliver's Taranga large. Expressive aromas burst from the glass revealing a riot of plums, blueberries, mulberries, morello cherries and baked raspberries. Framed by delicately arranged spices, its primary appeal is to complement a diverse range of food and it absolutely smashes the brief. Finishing with soft tannins that are juicy moreish, this is an exquisite drink and a wine you can depend on time and again. It will even take a slight chill on warm days - winning much? Go here. Drink now to 3 years. 95pts

- QWine

The Iberian connection runs strong in McLaren Vale where Mencia – “men-thee-ah” – is making a big splash in a short time. Plenty of upfront aromatics to indulge in: spring florals, briar, plum, blue and cherry fruits, dark spices. Early drinking possibilities abound such are the delightful aromatic qualities of the grape, but there are ripe tannins structurally which also bring the chance for further ageing. The palate is plummy soft and supple with a just-so degree of richness. 95pts

- Jeni Port, Winepilot

Unlike some of the other more recent Mediterranean varieties introduced to Australian vineyards, Mencia is easy to remember and pronounce, even if lacking the Spanish lisp. Deep purple in colour, the density of colour belies the freshness on both nose and palate. Juicy, jumpy, fleshy, yet effortlessly bright, the nose abounds with berry sweetness, musk stick, dried florals, red jube frog, a lick of graphite pencil and oodles of minerality. There’s no shortage of red berried fruit sweetness on the palate, but this is most certainly a dry wine with a refreshing crunch of acidity, a pop of all spice and chalky, red dust tannins and a liquorice strap finish. Bright, zippy, crunchy, juicy and altogether moreish. The perfect slurpable, yet fresh and zippy summer red. This makes a great case for more Mencia in McLaren Vale. 94pts

- Cass Charlick, Winepilot

Arguably the touchstone for Mencía in this country, with the nation’s first vines planted by Corrina Wright in 2011. Her first red was made in 2016, so this is the ninth edition – a reasonable survey. Fermented as whole berries in a closed fermenter, this was raised half in tank and half in older French oak. Duskily floral, sultry in its posy of deep red and purple blooms, lilting their perfume over ripe blackberries, plump blueberries, dark spices and humus-rich soil, luscious in its way, but not overdone. It’s silkily supple, supported by a brace of fine tannins, and it’s another fine release. 93 points

- Marcus Ellis, Halliday Wine Companion

Kalamata olive, black cherries and Assam tea leaf. Dried Ancho chiles and sumac spice. Like a deep well, this wine will have you peering into its depth finding more detail as you adjust to its shades and tones. Perky acidity increases across the drinking experience with round edges of violet, cocoa nib and kidney bean. It's a neighborly wine, always a pleasure to be around. There for you in need and without asserting its judgement upon you. This is my ideal party , ed wine. A perfect wine for weddings or gatherings where you are trying to please various plates. It's smooth, juicy and full of flavour. Sessionable and dare I say it quaffable. Serve with meatballs in tomato sugo and cheesy polenta. Drink now or will cellar for another 3-5 years. 93 pts

- Shanteh Wale, Winepilot