S. Caica 2025 McLaren Vale Mourvedre 'Shetland Pony Vineyard'

"Wonderfully close to being opaque at its core, the 2025 Mourvedre bursts from the glass with aromas of violets and mulberries trimmed in bark, cassis, turned black earth, and Maduro cigar wrapper. There is light in the dark, however, with the chiaro to the scuro arriving in the form of orange zest, thyme, sweet fat, and that signature Vale sea spray/salty seaside rocks. Effortlessly alluring. The palate is silken and flowing throughout with slowly rising, fairly massive yet still fine tannins emerging from the fruit to reveal themselves with great subtlety at the back palate. Dark couverture chocolate wraps around plums and cherries (black forest cake?), baking spices, and dried orange peel; there is a touch of freshness with macerated strawberry on the close. Mineral touches add complexity to the back palate. Very fine." — David