Bremerton Mourvédre 2007 and 2008

A fantastic opportunity arose in which I was able to consider two Mourvèdre from consecutive vintages produced by Bremerton Wines of Langhorne Creek.

2007 was the first time the winery had produced a Mourvèdre and I was privileged to speak with winemaker Rebecca Wilson - who kindly took some time out from the demands of vintage to speak with me - advising that the fruit comes from one of only two blocks of Mourvèdre she knows of in the region.

2007 Vintage Snapshot

A dry, mild season with low disease pressures.  Reds typically showed smaller canopies and lower yields, up to 60% down in some vineyards, resulting in smaller bunches and berry size.  Early start to vintage, many starting 3 weeks earlier on average.  Most red varieties ripened slowly across the district (Source: www.healthyvines.com.au).

2008 Vintage Snapshot

First half of vintage was excellent.  Mild and dry through February, good for grape development with natural high acidity. The second half of vintage less than optimal.  Fruit dehydration and sugar levels never before seen.  Challenge was to harvest quickly.  Even the sun loving Mourvédre may have suffered. (Source: Winebiz)

2007 Bremerton Mourvédre

Varietal aromatic character with black cherry, plum and a hint of leather and earth.  Palate shows red and black fruits, somewhat twiggy, nay stalky with chalky tannins.

Some good acid initially, liquorice and Szechuan spice tail with length and persistence.  A good benchmark wine.  As it warmed a small spike of heat showed itself.

On day 2 it lost some of that vitality and character that was appealing earlier.  I'd have to consider it as one for drinking now.  89 - Good. 

Source: Sample

Production: 274 dozen

Price: $24 Mailing List and Cellar Door only

Alcohol: 15%

Closure: Screwcap

2008 Bremerton Mourvédre

Coffee and chocolatey oak, ripe and dark, but less fruit presence than the '07 - regional rather than varietal.  In the mouth a much thicker, denser wine; slight glycerol feel - the warmer vintage showing through for this sun lover, though the final stated alcohol was lower.

The red, black fruit mix was present in the mouth along with some caramel and molasses.  The chalky tannin still present here along with the length and persistence.  Acid framework more noticeable on day 2, if anything the wine improved over this time - and in the mouth still thick, rich and comely - eminently drinkable.  Would suggest this vintage over the two has life in it yet. 91 - Very Good.

Source: Sample

Production: 360 dozen

Price: $24 Mailing List and Cellar Door only

Alcohol: 14.5%

Closure: Screwcap

Langhorne Creek wine, Langhorne Creek Mourvedre, Langhorne Creek Mataro, #ProjectMataro,