OLIVER'S Taranga Vineyard 'The Banished' 20 Year Old Fortifi Grenache - McLaren Vale NV HALF LITRE (los)

Description

IN BRIEF
Oliver's Taranga 'The Banished' 20 Year Old Fortified Grenache from McLaren Vale is a distinguished sweet wine with a fascinating history. Founded in 1839, this sixth-generation family business was established when the Taranga family chose to plant vineyards instead of cereal crops, focusing on quality grape growing. The name 'The Banished' refers to three brothers from the second generation who preferred a life of indulgence over farming, leading to their banishment. This tawny port-style wine, aged in a solera of ancient Cognac barrels, offers enticing aromas of creamy vanilla, caramel, stewed fruits, and brandy-soaked apricots. On the palate, it showcases flavours of toffee, coffee, and preserved fruits, balanced by fresh acidity. Decanter awarded it 91 points, highlighting its opulence and rich character.

ABOUT THIS WINE
Oliver’s Taranga is a sixth-generation family business dating back to 1839, when the Taranga family moved from the UK and settled in Australia to start a new life. Against the trend, amongst most British settlers, to plant cereal crops and orchards, Oliver decided to plant vineyards and become a grape grower! The business, carefully kept and managed by the Oliver family, has grown and evolved while keeping its original ethos: to grow the best quality fruit to produce quality, small-batch wines that are expressive of variety and vintage.

‘The banished’ refers to three brothers from the family’s second generation who avoided the trials of family farming, preferring to live the ‘good life’ of drinking, smoking and gambling! Needless to say, they were banished from the family property. This is a 20-year-old tawny port-style sweet wine made from Grenache, aged in a solera of ancient Cognac barrels.

The wine has aromas of creamy vanilla extract, caramel, stewed fruits and brandy-soaked apricots. In the mouth, it is a powerful fortified Grenache with flavours of toffee, coffee and preserved booze-soaked fruit; carefully balanced by moreish fresh acidity.

DECANTER 91 points
Tasted by: Amy Wislocki
(at London, 28 Sep 2021)
Part of Festive treats: celebratory standout bottles
Drinking Window: 2021 - 2023
This is one for fans of 20-year-old Tawny Port – a similar style, but made from Grenache by this dynamic, family-owned producer in Australia’s McLaren Vale. It’s opulent and rich in character, with typical tawny flavours of raisined and dried fruit, caramel, toffee, coffee and vanilla. A real treat of a discovery wine.

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ABOUT OLIVER'S
Oliver's Taranga Vineyard is a renowned winery located in the McLaren Vale region of South Australia, celebrated for its commitment to quality, sustainability, and a genuine expression of terroir. Established by the Oliver family, the vineyard has a rich viticultural history dating back to 1988, and it has gained a reputation for producing exceptional wines that showcase the unique characteristics of the region.

The philosophy at Oliver's Taranga is deeply rooted in sustainable farming practices. The team prioritises organic and biodynamic principles, focusing on nurturing the vineyard ecosystem to produce healthy grapes without relying on synthetic chemicals. This hands-on approach not only enhances the quality of the fruit but also ensures that the wines reflect the true essence of McLaren Vale’s diverse terroir.

The vineyard is planted with a variety of grape varieties, including Shiraz, Grenache, and Tempranillo, as well as some lesser-known varietals. Each wine crafted at Oliver's Taranga is a testament to the unique conditions of the estate, showcasing the rich fruit character, elegance, and complexity that McLaren Vale is known for. The winery is particularly celebrated for its Grenache and small-batch Shiraz wines, which are acclaimed for their depth and flavour.

In addition to producing outstanding wines, Oliver's Taranga Vineyard is also dedicated to engaging with the community and promoting wine education. The winery frequently hosts tastings, tours, and events that allow visitors to connect with the land and learn about the winemaking process.

With a strong focus on craftsmanship and sustainability, Oliver's Taranga Vineyard continues to be a leader in the McLaren Vale wine scene. Each bottle reflects the meticulous care taken in the vineyard and the winery, offering wine enthusiasts a delightful experience that highlights the region’s rich viticultural heritage. Whether enjoyed at home or shared with friends, Oliver's Taranga wines embody the spirit of McLaren Vale and the Oliver family's passion for winemaking.