Touriga is a native grape of Portugal, and usually suffixed with “Nacional” such the ubiquitous nature of its planting through the homeland and importance for both fortified (Port) and table wines. Here Elena Brooks and her husband Zar have taken fruit from the Willunga Basin in McLaren Vale to create a vibrant Australian expression.

Heirloom Vineyards, Touriga, McLaren Vale 2019

Electric panther purple with Prince-like neon rim. Bold nose: smoky charcoal, black jelly beans, blackcurrant, vanilla paste, garrigue herbs, licorice root, and lavender flower. The nose is so intense, there’s a trepidation of taste. Formidable tannins encase a full bodied dark fruit core delivered in an almost viscous palate.  There’s still a fineness and a tightness to the tail to be able to handle plenty of protein rich food matches

RRP: $40
Alc: 13.5%
Rating: 17.5/20 (90/100)

Wine sample courtesy of Heirloom Vineyards