Opening with intrigue, in a style reminiscent of some of the great Italian wines that are highly structural yet beautifully perfumed – think Nebbiolo or perhaps Aglianico.  The dark, tarry undertones are interlaced with fragrant, earthy aromatics; cigar box, chicory, red currant, musk and marzipan.

Slowly as the lid opens, the great complexity of this wine becomes apparent.  The palate is medium weight, but smooth and integrated with dark luscious fruits, spices and savoury tobacco leaf characters.  It has length and liveliness with sinewy tannins that wire together the skeleton of this unique and delicious wine.

Released August 2022

The distinct diurnal range of the sub-alpine Mayford vineyard in Porepunkah provides ideal conditions for ripening Tempranillo and Cabernet Sauvignon, the two heroes of this unique blend.  Warm daytime temperatures allow aromas to intensify and tannins to mature fully, whilst cool nights assist with the retention of delicate aromatics and natural acidity.

Small parcels of low-cropping Tempranillo were hand-picked from the ridge of the original Tempranillo block in early March, and the Cabernet Sauvignon some three weeks later. Each batch was chilled and cold soaked before undergoing natural yeast fermentation in small open fermenters, then basket pressed, just prior to dryness, to finish fermentation and MLF in oak.

Nominally allocated at pressing for the Ovens Crossing blend, these components were put to French oak barriques- 50% new – for 11 months and then blended and returned to older oak for a further 11 months. A further 28 months of bottle maturation allowed the oak, dense tannin and dark fruit to work their way into balance for winter 2022 release.

Drink 2023-2035

Bottled February 2000

Mayford Ovens Crossing is made in limited volumes from exceptional vintages.