Regan Drew
Nick Spencer cut his teeth at the highly successful Eden Road Wines in the Canberra district before heading out on his own. He sources fruit from regions that aren’t yet household names but still produce quality fruit. Here he takes the Italian variety Sangiovese, adds 10% Cabernet Sauvignon (thus creating what is akin to a ‘Super Tuscan,’ a nod to the French/Italian power blends from Tuscany). Winemaking sees open vats for fermentation before 14 months maturation in 200L Amphora. Minimal sulphites and vegan friendly. Bright, floral and earthy nose: sour cherries, violets, black olive, red jelly crystals with a herbal core of tobacco, oregano and thyme. There’s a wet sand, damp turned fresh sod, roast almond earthiness that acts as a base. Alive and lifted: mid weight elegance of flavour with sandy, tight and crunchy tannins before being decorated with a regional acid flourish. Lingering cherry off-set with cassis, drinking chocolate and black olive. An extra point for drinkability. Points: 94/100
