R.L Buller & Son Valerie Mondeuse 2006

Named in honour of the family matriarch Valerie Buller, this straight varietal Mondeuse comes from vines planted in the early 1920's at the family's original Calliope Vineyard in Rutherglen. The flagship Calliope brand range is used to showcase Buller wines from exceptional vintages, of which 2006 was one.

Mondeuse Noire to be exact, is an ancient and obscure red variety grown primarily in the eastern French province of Savoie that it appears had been cultivated prior to the Roman annexation of Gaul (France) in 58BC. The variety was brought to Australia in the early twentieth century by viticultural entrepreneur Francois de Castella.

Deeply purple-coloured, almost opaque in the glass.

There are complex aromatics showing fresh violets, sweet blueberries and blackberries, dark chocolate and cedar smoke.
An engaging, fragrant nose arouses the senses to dive straight in.

In the mouth it sits at medium to full-bodied in the weight stakes. The palate exhibits violets and warm purple fruits that are intense and generous in their flavours. Earthy savouriness, pepper spice and a hint of leather add to its complexity and interest. The texture is soft, silky and with the well-structured drying tannins and the acid good enough to provide an even glide across the mouth and great palate length.

Concentrated, succulent, satisfying and immensely drinkable.

The old Mondeuse vines have really produced something special here.

Old Father Time has been kind and repaid cellaring with interest. Glorious stuff.