From the Barossa's latest picking vintage this millennia, this Arila Gardens Moppa Nero d'Avola 2023 doesn't reach the lofty heights of its predecessor. A good wine in its own right, this speaks more of the vintage.
The 2022 was the debut release, and while that wine was quite an explosion of flavour, this 2023 is more subdued. Grown on sandy loam soils containing a mix of sandstone and quartz over red clay, this is not as expressive aromatically. It sees seasoned French oak for 14 months.
Blackberries, cola and a little sarsaparilla make a solid first impression but the pretty red berries and raspberry coulis take a back seat. Some squishy blueberries build momentum as juicy tannins pin themselves to the mid-palate before drying out ever so slowly leaving a sheet of powder in its wake.
Drink to five years.
91/100
Region: Barossa
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