Fruit from the greater Limestone Coast GI of Australia, which encompasses the jewel of Coonawarra. Old French and American oak maturation for 18 months giving a firm nod to Rioja.

Di Giorgio Family Wines, Tempranillo, Limestone Coast, 2016

Smoky sweetness on the first pass with concentrated vanilla bean, dark chocolate, meaty pan jus and red currant fruit. Holds tight to medium bodied with a just-firm, grippy tannin structure. The oak blankets most of the dark red fruit in a cloth of bourbon-tinged spiced sweetness, but it is not without charm. A lick of bitter herbs to finish giving the varietal push. Tumblers and lamb ribs.

RRP: $25
Alc: 14.5%
Rating: 17/20

Wine sample courtesy of DiGiorgio Family Wines