Marius Simpatico 2010

"I tasted this interspersed with a bunch of Rioja and also a 2009 Penfolds Bin 389 (of all things), and it stood square and firm to all comers. First wine I’ve tasted of the 2010 Marius collection (there’s four now, you know) and I reckon new high water marks have been set. Sheds even.

It’s the quality of tannin that grabbed me straight off. It’s downright un-Australian, almost. Tannin of muscular density and grip – authoritative but not over-bearing. They’ll stand this beautifully blue and black fruited wine in good stead for many a year. There’s soft and subtle vanilla oak, a little spice, and some of that regional and/or vineyard derived ironstone character that I find so appealing. Chocolate and licorice with air, though it’s the depth of fruit married to impressive structure that’s the thing here. A mighty wine. Needs some time yet, but what a future.  Rated : 94+ Points"  Gary Walsh. The Wine Front.