Samuel's Gorge Tempranillo

Samuel’s Gorge Tempranillo 2024 from Samuel’s Gorge in McLaren Vale is a beautifully expressive, medium‑bodied Tempranillo that mixes bright, crunchy fruit with spice, leather and a savoury coastal twist. On the nose it shows cherry and blueberries with star anise and soft leather, giving an inviting mix of sweet fruit and gentle savoury lift. The palate is rich but finely structured, rolling into red currants, dates, cola and a distinctive seaside samphire note, all carried by high acidity and fine, drying tannins that keep it feeling crunchy yet beautifully polished.

Samuel’s Gorge Tempranillo 2024 is sourced from three vineyards in The Vale, machine‑harvested in the cool of night and fermented in small vessels before time in old French oak, focusing on fruit purity, savoury tannin and subtle oak influence. The 2024 release sits firmly in the “medium‑bodied, lively and round” camp – a wine with depth of crunchy red and blue fruits, cola and tobacco hints, but still much fresher and more drinkable in youth than heavier traditional Spanish examples. It’s a characterful, small‑batch red that shows why Samuel’s Gorge has such a strong following for Mediterranean varieties.

On the table, Samuel’s Gorge Tempranillo 2024 is made for beef and venison – think grilled steaks, slow‑cooked beef, or venison pie – where its cherry, blueberry, cola and savoury spice really lock into rich meat flavours. It also suits lamb, chargrilled vegetables and tapas, with that samphire/sea‑spray edge adding a unique, saline twist alongside red‑currant brightness. Serve it just below room temperature so the crunchy fruit and fine tannins stay beautifully in focus.