The Wine Front by Campbell Mattinson
Matured for nearly two years in 100 percent new French oak (and doesn’t it show). Contains five percent viognier. Fermented over two weeks. Made off ten year old vines growing at 330 metres above sea level, at Coldstream in the Yarra Valley. It’s a bit much for me. The oak – which is all of cedary, clovey, creamy and toasty – is overpowering, the fruit flavours behind it not bright or robust enough to burst through it. Time will help but for now it’s not attractive drinking. Fruit flavours of dark cherry, musk, apricot blossom and plum. Noticeable spice though it’s not overtly peppery. Velvety tannin structure. Some nice components but it leaves me wanting more … or less.