Coates Touriga Nacional 2021 from Langhorne Creek is a captivating, medium‑to‑full‑bodied dry red that shows just how good Touriga can be outside Portugal – terrific colour, incisive red and black fruit and a striking mix of florals and tea‑like aromatics. It’s a tiny‑production, naturally fermented, French‑oak‑matured wine with serious character and ageing potential.

On the nose, Coates The Touriga Nacional 2021 gives pointed aromas of Earl Grey tea, menthol, spearmint, aniseed and macerated dark cherries, along with amazing floral lift. The palate shows incisive red and black fruit softened by oak – dark cherries and berries over a brooding, masculine frame not unlike Mourvèdre, with firm but balanced tannins and a long, savoury, slightly herbal finish that will only improve with more time in bottle.

From an Adelaide sommelier’s view, Coates Touriga Nacional 2021 is ideal with grilled lamb, beef short ribs, rich stews, char‑grilled vegetables and hard cheeses. It’s a brilliant choice when you want something a bit different from Shiraz or Cabernet, but still firmly in that “serious, food‑worthy South Australian red” zone.