2016 Brash Higgins Mato Lennon Vineyard Mataro

Deep dark red black colour with a dark red hue. On the nose leathery barnyard like scents overlay dark cherry, smoky earth, liquorice and spicy dried herb notes. Very elegant and only just medium weight, flavours of plum and liquorice intermix with earthy leather, dried herb and spice characters. Bright acidity, fine grained tannins and a medium length aftertaste that has lingering new leather and earth elements to it.
Cellar 4-5 years.
Alc. 13.7%

Other Reviews….
About 75% whole bunch inclusions in the ferment. Picked quite ‘fresh’ too. MATO is of course the Brash Higgins representation of the word mataro, but, interestingly, it is also the name of a company that specialises in conveyor belt cleaners.
Nice wine this. Slinky and slurpy, luscious but lifted, inky forest berry flavours but plenty of fennel and wild mint kind of lift. Has a freshness and lift, dark berry fruitiness, a lick of choc-cherry flavours and palate staining kind of feel. It’s pretty yet hearty and darn delicious. Dials things up well. Drink 2019-2026.
92 points
Mike Bennie – The Wine Front