2023 Oliver's Taranga Mencia

Oliver's Taranga, one of McLaren Vale's most historic and loved producers, has always been ahead of the curve when it comes to innovating with alternative/emerging grape varieties.

Their estate-grown Mencia has for some years made a very enjoyable Rose, but more recently we are seeing this fruit crafted into a Spanish-inspired red, reminiscent of the hearty, slurpy lunchtime wines of North West Spain and Portugal.

This is a fun, flavour-packed, warm mouthful of McLaren Vale red wine, and definitely a wine to try, but get in quick as production is tiny!

95 points
"It might have been a cool, wet, late season but the Spanish red grape enjoyed the slow, drawn out ripening time. The ’23 Mencia is a fine follow up to the terrific ’22. The concentration, balance and length on this purple youngster – not to mention the wealth of fruit on display – is striking. Red fruits shine, loud and clear, alongside gentle florals, cranberry, baked earth and herbals with an added, discreet savoury influence. Oak provides a background nicely spiced presence. Speaks with tremendous fruit charm and warmth. What a personality."
- Jeni Port (Wine Pilot)