Oliver's Taranga Vineyards Vintage 2009

by Corrina Wright
(McLaren Vale, South Australia)

Report on Fiano, Sagrantino and Tempranillo for the 2009 vintage at Olivers Taranga Vineyards in McLaren Vale.

The 2009 vintage has been one of extreme heat early on, and the resultant reduction in crop levels.

Good news is that the 'alternative' varietals have held up in the heat extremely well.

Best performing has been the 2009 Tempranillo - tucked away in barrel now undergoing malo-lactic fermentation, it is full of spice, earthy tannins & black olives. It looks like it will be a cracker when released in 2010 or so.

The 2009 Fiano has just finished ferment and is still sitting on lees. Again, even with the heat, its natural acidity held up in the wine, and there was no need for any adjustments. We are making the Fiano in a full lees, natural ferment style, but without any oak or malo-lactic. The varietal character of this variety stands tall again - Basil/pesto is my favourite descriptor.

Also this year, we decided to make a 2009 Sagrantino. The vines were hit by the heat early, and the crop was reduced significantly. But the wines in barrel at the moment look intriguing indeed! The tannins are massive, and the nose is beautiful, full of floral violet notes. I think it will take a while for the tannins to settle down in barrel, but once they do, look out for this wine. It also has excellent natural acidity.

That's it for the 'alternative' varietals update at Oliver's Taranga for 2009. Overall, there is not much to go around, but they are pretty special wines indeed.