"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.
Where this wine comes from - McLaren Vale
Just south of Adelaide in South Australia, McLaren Vale is a red wine drinker’s haven, producing rich, velvety textured reds the state is known for. Looking over St Vincent Gulf, the maritime influence in McLaren Vale helps to keep summer temperatures down while the steady temperatures are perfect for producing balanced reds that are certainly easy on the palate. In a similar vein to the Barossa, McLaren Vale hangs its hat on Shiraz, but similarly, Grenache and Mourvèdre play a strong supporting role – perhaps outshining the star of the show on occasion! Certainly its GSM blends deserve recognition, producing seamless wines. Enjoying its Mediterranean climate, it comes as no surprise that the wines of McLaren Vale are perfect with hearty Italian dishes – ragout, pizza, or an antipasto platter – you can’t go wrong. 
