Tasting Notes for Paxton Tempranillo 2023 from the Winery

Befitting to our Mediterranean climate, Tempranillo exudes silky texture and a delicious juxtaposition of floral and savoury vibes

The 2007 Tempranillo was the first release of this single vineyard wine, with only 100 dozen cases made. We’ve been trialing a number of different grape varieties that perform well in warmer climates and use less water. At this stage, Tempranillo shows great promise for the region. Being a lighter style, the wine is approachable and soft with attractive aromatics.

Vintage Notes

Low and slow. The 2023 growing season was a time for viticulturists to show off their impressive skills. From a cold and wet, seemingly never-ending winter to a Spring which seemed like it was still winter, a long, cool Summer which seemed like Spring, challenges were abundant. Numerous climatic challenges including cool and windy weather during flowering, one of the wettest Springs for 30 years and even more windy weather in Summer meant that crops were small but our organic and biodynamic farming methods paid off — our vines showed incredible resilience to whatever came their way. A season that was around three weeks late on average and had a much slower ripening period means that 2023 wines show great acid, complex layers of delicate flavours, lightness, brightness, and longevity.

Bouquet

The 2023 Tempranillo enchants with a wild and aromatic bouquet. Notes of wild medicinal herbs mingle with the sweet allure of blueberry gelato and juicy fresh white nectarine. Sarsaparilla adds a hint of intrigue, while the scent of a fresh lush green garden after rain evokes a sense of vitality and freshness. It's like stepping into a secret garden, each scent a tantalizing invitation to explore further.

Palate

After a smooth entry, this wine unveils a lush and inviting mid-palate, offering a sensation of generosity and roundness. Soft, grainy tannins add texture without overwhelming, creating a velvety mouthfeel. It's like savouring bites of ripe, fleshy fruit. Each sip evokes the feeling of indulgence and satisfaction, with a lingering finish that leaves you longing for another taste of its captivating charm.

Vinification

The grapes in each individual vineyard are tasted over and over again until reaching perfect plumpness. Each vineyard block is fermented separately in small open top fermenters and painstakingly hand plunged for around 14 days until the sugars are completely dry. Racked into older French oak barriques and puncheons to rest for the next eight months before blending and bottling for your enjoyment.

Cellaring: GOOD: Immediately. BETTER: Winter 2025. BEST: 2026-2028

Food Matches

So versatile. Tapas, roasted vegetables and Mexican food such as nachos, burritos and any dish with corn as a major ingredient. And for a surprising wine-food-match recipe, try parmesan crusted snapper, orange pearls and fennel puree – amazing!

(SKU: PX_TEM_CV)