2013 Mount Horrocks Nero d’Avola
By Peter Forrestal
This is Stephanie Toole’s second vintage of the Italian varietal nero d’Avola from her Clare Valley vineyard. The grape is probably indigenous to Calabria but best known for flourishing in the warmth of Sicily. It is starting to attract serious attention in Australia because of its suitability to the climate. The best examples, such as Mount Horrocks, will avoid the over-use of oak, which exacerbates the assertive tannins of the variety. The 2013 nero d’Avola has attractive floral perfumes, clean, fresh, savoury flavours, a hint of licorice and chocolate, and smooth, fleshy texture. It is medium-bodied with gentle fine tannins, which make it pleasantly approachable.
July 2015
