2016 Massena The Moonlight Run Mataro Grenache Shiraz

Established in 2000 Massena is owned by Dan Standish and Jaysen Collins who until 2006 were employed full time at other Barossa wineries (Dan as winemaker at Torbreck and Jaysen as general manager at Turket Flat.) All Massena wines are from 100% Barossa valley fruit from dry-farmed, low yielding vines up to 155 years age located in the north-western Barossa. The Moonlight Run takes its name from Dan and Jaysen’s midnight drive back to the Barossa after working vintage in the Clare Valley. Inspired by the wines of Chateauneuf du Pape it is aged in both tank and barrel.

Rich, fleshy and absolutely delicious!

A blend of 34% Mataro, 33% Grenache, 31% Shiraz and 2% Cinsault. Totally opaque midnight black dark purple core with a deep bright dark purple hue. Intensely aromatic, youthful and energetic the nose dishes up scents of plums, blueberries and liquorice followed by subtle incense infusions, vanillin cedar and spice. Fresher and with more blue fruits than the black fruits of previous vintages the palate sports superb richness with juicy flavours of plums, dark raspberries, fresh blueberries and liquorice over infusions of incense, lightly scorched vanillin cedar and spicy fennel. Fleshy mouthfeel and velvety tannins finishing with good freshness and a long powerful aftertaste of plum, dark raspberries, blueberries, liquorice, subtle incense infusions and spicy fennel.
Drink over the next 5-6 years.
Alc 14%

Other Reviews....
Constructured from estate mataro (34%) fermented with partial stalk inclusion, 33% early harvested 150yo bushvine grenache and Tanunda shiraz. The secret ingredient that invests the wine with savoury spices and freshness is the alcohol, usually 14.5% and above in the Barossa Valley. The length and finish have zest and braille, important in establishing the texture of the wine. 14% alc. Drink by 2029.
95 points
James Halliday - Australian Wine Companion