2010 Kangarilla Road 'Terzetto'

One of the things I admire about Kangarilla Road, apart from their quality great value wines is the image of the vine leaf on their front labels. Unique and quite stunning. There are three on this bottle, one for each of the varieties contained within.   

A ménage à trois of Italian varieties from the McLaren Vale blending the big three reds Sangiovese (45%), Primitivo (35%) and Nebbiolo (20%). The term terzetto is a reference to all things three in Italian, but primarily to literature and music and there is much to write and sing about this quirky first release from Kevin and Helen O'Brien's winery.

Kangarilla Road has been around since the mid-1970's but the O'Briens have stamped - or is that stomped -  their imprimatur since 1997 with an impressive portfolio of Italian varietals produced in organic and biodynamic vineyards from sustainable viticultural techniques.   

The Terzetto was aged in a combination of older French and American oak for 14 months prior to release with silver medal success at the 2012 Australian Alternative Varieties Wine Show in the Other Red - Italian Varieties and Blends category. 

Translucent ruby red colours. Lifted aromas of fresh roses, savoury plum, chocolate, vanillin with hints of tobacco smoke are intense and a mouth-watering preamble to the main act. A beautifully balanced sum of its impressive varietal parts, the Terzetto delivers a medium-bodied, texturally very smooth wine to the drinker. Spicy cherry and plum fruit flavours dominate the palate supported by dry, mouth-puckering tannins across the tongue. Nuances of cinnamon, earth and tar here as well. Long close of spicy black cherry. Rich, juicy and deliciously easy on the synapses. Hopefully we get to wax lyrical in future editions. Recommended.

Source: Winery Sample. Alcohol: 14.0%. Closure: Screwcap. Price: $22.00. Rating: 90 Points. Website: http://www.kangarillaroad.com.au/