Teusner The Dog Strangler 2010

This is my first experience of the Dog Strangler - for those unaware "Estrangle Chien" is a French synonym for what we in Australia commonly refer to as Mataro - for, being a stubborn principled sort, I refuse to shop in certain national multiples, preferring to frequent local and independently owned stores

I've been on the record before as having a disdain for fashionable flights of fancy.  However, it seems that Mataro is getting its time in the retail spotlight - I've even seen it referred to as "The Next Big Thing".  Mataro has a long association with Australia but has traditionally been blended away into GSM blends (and variations thereof).

I'm happy to see more straight varietal Mataro come onto retail shelves, but i wouldn't like to see the trend continue at the expense of - as I see it - varietally correct Mataro.

This example, from various blocks around the Barossa exhibits a touch of prune, leather and damp earth.  It comes across as a fairly made wine compared to some other examples of Mataro I have tasted.  In the mouth, it's fairly concentrated - exhibiting depth of flavour; some all-spice contributes to an overall warmth in the mouth.

The spice radiates on leading to a fair length of finish.  Overall it is emminently drinkable - as Teusner wines tend to be - that said, my preference was for the wine on day one.  Don't demur, if you get the opportunity buy some up, drink some and bob a couple away for a couple of years.

Source: Retail, Champion Liquor
Price: $28 RRP
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.teusner.com.au/

Follow me: http://twitter.com/TheVinsomniac