2021 Baby Bush Mourvèdre
This younger example of Mourvèdre is a ‘Selection Massale’, or cuttings, from our 1853 Old Garden Vineyard. We commenced planting this vineyard in 1998, to ensure a continuation of the 1853 Mourvèdre legacy. Selection Massale is a traditional way of propagating from exceptional, ancient vines. Born from excellent stock, our parent vineyard is known to be the oldest Mourvèdre in the world and has passed on a notable high quality of fruit.
TASTING NOTE
This younger example of Mourvèdre is a ‘Selection Massale’, or cuttings, from our 1853 Old Garden Vineyard. We commenced planting this vineyard in 1998, to ensure a continuation of the 1853 Mourvèdre legacy. Selection Massale is a traditional way of propagating from exceptional, ancient vines. Born from excellent stock, our parent vineyard is known to be the oldest Mourvèdre in the world and has passed on a notable high quality of fruit.
TASTING NOTE
This younger example of Mourvèdre is a ‘Selection Massale’, or cuttings, from our 1853 Old Garden Vineyard. We commenced planting this vineyard in 1998, to ensure a continuation of the 1853 Mourvèdre legacy. Selection Massale is a traditional way of propagating from exceptional, ancient vines. Born from excellent stock, our parent vineyard is known to be the oldest Mourvèdre in the world and has passed on a notable high quality of fruit.
TASTING NOTE
Reviews
"So, this beaut little Mourvèdre is based on fruit created by taking cuttings from the Old Garden Vineyard, planted in 1853. It is such a brilliant and vibrant example of this terrific variety. I have seen this wine evolve over many years, and I have to say it just seems to get better each year. The balance of the fruit and oak is harmonious, allowing the fragrances and seductive aromas to reveal their true beauty. A great entry wine to understand some of the appeal of Mourvèdre. 94 Points" - Ray Jordan, Wine Pilot
"The 'baby' mourvèdre vines were established in 1998 from cuttings off the epic 1853-planted Old Garden vineyard. Lots of colour and lots of fruit depth for babies! Rich dark plum, blueberry and black cherry fruits with hints of turned earth, light bramble tones, graphite, dark spice, roasting meats and charcuterie. There is a wee whiff of choc-mint way off in the distance, too, with an impressive fruit density, tight granite dust tannins and bright acid drive finishing pure and savoury. 93 Points" - Dave Brooke, Halliday Wine Companion
"Vibrant ruby red colour. Mulberry, raw beef and ironstone aromas. Lashings of blue and purple fruits fill the core whilst it builds layers of anise, black graphite, and dried blood savouries. Tannins have a fine gravel persistence as it rolls long to the dry finish. Remarkable sense of tension and purity at this price point. 93 Points" - Stuart Knox, The Real Review
"A ‘selection massale’ from the Old Garden Vineyard which was planted back in 1853. So basically what the team term the ‘babies’ of the parent vineyard. 50% whole bunches and subsequently, maturation for 18 months in seasoned French oak barriques. Deep red hue. This is burly, concentrated and muscular – ideal for those who love a big red. There are notes of coffee grinds, black fruits, herbs, beef stock, warm earth and some truffle notes before a mid-length palate moving to silky tannins with more chocolate on the palate. This should impress over the next six to eight years. 92 Points" - Ken Gargett, Wine Pilot
"These “babies” certainly bring a lot of flavour to the glass. Twenty four-years-old in 2021, they were planted as cuttings from the best vines off the 1853 Old Garden bush vines, so their provenance is assured. Approachable, fruit-fuelled and spice-ladden, Baby Bush is rich in loganberry, bramble and plum fruits matched nicely with the scent and herbal flavour of fennel, oregano and sage. But there is more. A gentle earthy, olive savouriness on the palate brings a layer of added interest. Ripe, cherry pip tannins are discreet and contribute to the overall succulence and deliciousness of this young red. 92 Points" - Jeni Port, Wine Pilot
"Brightly fruited and inviting, the bouquet shows dark plum, raspberry, floral and subtle spice aromas, followed by a silky palate that's fleshy and tasty. Well rounded with fine tannins, making it immediately appealing. At its best: now to 2030. 92 Points" - Sam Kim, Wine Orbit
"Made from vines grown off the cuttings of the 1853 “parents” in the oldest Mourvèdre vineyard on the planet. 50% Whole bunch in the winemaking and left on skins for 2 to 3 weeks for plenty of lift and punch. Garnet in hue with a bright ermine rim. Gives some ying and yang with lifted old cherry and chocolate ganache, earthy blueberries, fresh cardboard, easy licorice and master stock (anise and beefstock). Surprisingly medium bodied palate juxtaposed with dark fruit and muscular tannins. A perfect foil to cut through young spring lamb. 92 Points" - Regan Drew, Wine Pilot
"This is part of the ‘Everyday Treats’ range from Hewitson, which kind of puts me in mind of our dog, who gets treats every day. So 24 year old vines here now – time passes – with 50% whole bunch. Old oak. Honey basted ham, nutty, quite spicy, orange peel, plum and blueberry. It’s medium-bodied, lots of honey nut character in with quiet meatiness, soft tannin, balanced acidity, with some thick peel marmalade on a finish of solid length. Tannin pulls a little stony on the finish, which is nice. A bit soft and creamy, but good to drink. Tastes like Mataro. 90 Points" - Gary Walsh, The Wine Front
"The 2021 Baby Bush Mourvèdre is the littlest sibling in the array of Mourvèdres at this address, and it drinks just like it. It is fresh, young, fun, not complex but equally joyful, spritely! It has notes of mulberry and blackcurrant, and the tannins are a touch more grown up than the flavors would suggest. It's a bit of an "old soul." 13.5% alcohol, sealed under screw cap. 90 Points" - Erin Larkin, Robert Parker