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Reviews
"Just eight original rows of Mourvèdre remain in an ancient vineyard in the Barossa Valley parish of Rowland Flat, planted in 1853, known as the Old Garden, tended then by Frederick Koch and to this day his descendants. Mind blown. As the oldest Mourvèdre vines on the planet, their story is more than enhanced by this wine, which is treated with the utmost traditional respect as well as contemporary technique: 85% whole bunch fermentation before 18 months in new French oak barriques, which impact a dusted, earthy, gravelly thread through a black cherry and dark plum fruit profile, sweet spices and vanilla cream chocolate notes offering a warm embrace. A national - make that an international - treasure. 97 Points." - Tony Love, Wine Pilot
"Planted in 1853, these ungrafted (own roots) mourvèdre vines are believed to be among the oldest – if not, the oldest – on earth. As such, winemaking to a large degree walks a delicate path, successfully as it turns out. The complexity and beauty of old vine fruit is well-sustained and enhanced in this lovely wine which hints of the land where it is grown. Violet, lavender florals with flashes of pepper, sage, fennel and oregano gather on the palate around a centrepiece of ripe plum, wild raspberry and bramble. It is nicely enhanced by background chocolate and vanillin oak and earthy herbals. Mourvèdre spices are at the top of their game, so engaging and fresh. Nicely sustained to the finish. Lovely. 96 Points." - Jeni Port, Wine Pilot
"Richly fruited with seductive complexity, showing dark berry, clove, fennel, cured meat, and toasted nut characters on the nose, followed by a wonderfully weighted palate offering a plush texture, backed by fine tannins, making it beautifully structured and harmonious with a lengthy, robust finish. 96 Points." - Sam Kim, Wine Orbit
"Textural, well composed and velvety, this mourvèdre shows blueberries, spiced berries, cinnamon, flowers and wild herbs on the nose. Medium-bodied with melty tannins. A dense core of fruit mingles with the spices and velvety texture. Linear, with a long, flavorful and peppery finish. Drink or hold. 95 Points." - Jamessuckling.com
"Sourced from a single vineyard planted in 1853 and is considered to be the oldest Mourvèdre vineyard in the world, being planted and maintained from pre-Phylloxera times. Steeping cherries, oil-based dark paints, boysenberry, gravel, paper reams, soaked raisins, orange peel and ganache. Silken flow, amaro spice leading into mocha richness with black and red cherry fruit. Fine, papery tannin and focused tail. Such an incredible price for a wine of this scarcity. 95 Points." - Regan Drew, Wine Pilot
“Deep, dark colour with a good tint of purple; the bouquet very smoky/charry timbery—with a guaiacol-like nuance. The palate is full-bodied and firm and very drying, with strong preserved-plum, black pepper and tarry/charry flavours, and a powerful presence. A very concentrated wine, with bitumen and ironstone touches and ample drying tannins. It's loaded with character and individuality. 95 Points." - Huon Hooke, The Real Review
“The 1853 Old Garden vineyard speaks of its legacy, showing a density of aromas and tightly trussed chalky chewy tannins. This is a vintage of restraint, held together with ripe black plum and mulberry yet showcasing tightly wound tannins and fine oak. Chewy with a fresh chalky core that emanates through the wine with a spiced warm finish. I like this savoury chalky style, a well handled Mourvèdre that offers fruit weight with the foundations of structure to drive the power. Tonal earth, forest floor, tobacco and sweet oak pencil shavings. Yum. 95 Points." - Annette Lacey MW, Wine Pilot
"The Old Garden Vineyard, planted in the Barossa back in 1853, is home to the oldest Mourvèdre vines on the planet. Ungrafted and pre-phylloxera, the Koch family have tended to these precious gems for coming up on a couple of centuries. There are just eight rows of this treasure in existence. Vinification saw the use of 100% whole bunches and maturation was for a year and a half in new French oak barriques. Under cork. An opaque maroon, this release is very much in the savoury style, with aromas weaving through notes of animal skins, dried herbs, beefstock, chocolate, coffee grinds, earthy notes, bay leaves, soy and cocoa powder. Supple in texture with very fine tannins, there is a line of good acidity and the wine should provide pleasure over the next ten years. 93 Points." - Ken Gargett, Wine Pilot