Serious style of tempranillo.
Campbell Mttinson (The Wine Front)
About the Wine
Tempranillo is one of winemaker Justin McNamee's fortés.
From his vantage point high atop a hill at Seaview, Justin has scouted a brilliant locale for his Tempranillo vineyard. These vines yield a rustic and expressive version of this Iberian variety that is at once highly complex and highly drinkable.
This is a testament to the changing face of McLaren Vale wine. A class act red wine made from a variety other than Shiraz or Grenache. Made in small amounts as always, but undoubtedly one of Australia's finest Tempranillos.
About Samuel's Gorge
Samuel’s Gorge is one of McLaren Vale’s best-kept secrets. There, in his quiet neck of the woods, owner/winemaker Justin McNamee is on a mission to build “wines that are distinctly Australian with reference to the old world for texture, complexity and harmony.”
The Samuel's Gorge wines may be scarcely available but they are highly renowned. Shiraz and Grenache are considered his forté, but he makes stellar examples of Tempranillo, Graciano, Gamay and more. Justin works with some of McLaren Vale's top vineyards, preferring to entrust the region's top growers to do what they do best, while he concentrates on crafting the wines together and greeting customers at his much-loved cellar door.
These are wines with a distinct personality and a rustic feel, from an adored cult SA producer.
Samuel's Gorge Winery, McLaren Vale, SA
From The Producer
Tempranillo - the precarious co-mingling of good and evil both on a vine and its personality in the glass akin to Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. On heavy ground it can behave like a feral triffid yet on the right plot this infinitely low yielding, Iberian icon is an interpretation of a landscape more than most.
Our Tempranillo vineyard is set amongst the clutches of a rocky, windswept ridge exposed to the Gulf. With ball-bearings for berries amidst very tight bunches, this wine has amplified masculinity, ripe flavours and great presence well after the last drop leaves the palate.
Warm flavours of black cherry compote with splash of kirsch, tart blood orange, toasted dried spices and fresh tobacco leaf. Vibrant pomegranate toned acidity gives the wine a racing pulse – it feels deliciously fresh – though at the same time, the complex blend of components feel well integrated along Tempranillo’s signature gravelly tannin.
The juxtaposition of dark and light keep on going: stepping into a Moorish palace garden from the parched sundried landscape. A refreshing cooling effect of the water feature set among ancient olive, fig and bay trees, cascading jasmine, intricate design woven into the interior mosaics.
Our Tempranillo: at the heart of the delights of the sultans. Aromas of jamon Serrano, lavender, dried sage, sun worn dusty limestone walls infiltrate the senses. Be prepared for an extended journey in the cellar with this one; it’s a stayer and may take a while to settle into its stride.
Blend : Tempranillo (100%)
ABV : 13%
Closure : Cork
Drink Until : 2025
Bottle Size : 750ml
McLaren Vale, SA
Critic Reviews
"Serious style of tempranillo. Dry and leathery but with a hit of licorice through the mid-palate. In fact it’s a wine that unfurls as it rests in the glass; it’s a wine where a little patience goes a long way. Tannin comes as a long sheet rather than as a clutch. Good by itself but better with food." - Campbell Mattinson (The Wine Front)
Delivery is Free for any order of $99 or more, or just $10 for any orders less than $99. There is no minimum order quantity and you can mix and match as much as you like. Make your perfect mixed pack! In Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane & Byron Bay we deliver with our own vans. All other areas are serviced by Australia Post.
Sydney Metro orders in the Pink Zone will be delivered the next day 5 days per week, Monday through Friday. Orders in the Blue Zone will be delivered on Tuesdays and Fridays. Everything outside these zones will be delivered by Australia Post.
Melbourne Metro orders are picked up at 12pm from our Sydney warehouse every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday and delivered the following day in Melbourne (Tues/Wed/Thurs/Fri). Please refer to this map to see if your address is considered Melbourne Metro here. Everything outside of this zone will be dispatched next business day with Australia Post.
Brisbane Metro orders are picked up from our Sydney warehouse every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday at 12pm and delivered on Thursday or Friday. Please refer to this map to see if your address is considered Brisbane Metro here. Everything outside of this zone will be dispatched next business day with Australia Post.
Australia Wide Deliveries To the rest of Australia we use Australia Post. The Australia Post Collection Truck picks up orders from our Sydney warehouse every weekday at midday. If your order is placed before 12pm we’ll get it on the truck that day. Delivery times vary considerably with Australia Post and unfortunately there is no Express Delivery Option for wine (because it is fragile and heavy). PLEASE NOTE that we are currently seeing significant delays in the Australia Post delivery network. Strict government health and safety requirements and very high parcel volumes are causing significant backlogs at the main NSW and VIC sorting facilities. Orders are still arriving safe and sound but you may notice slower delivery times and less frequent scanning updates than usual.
Authority to Leave and other delivery instructions can be left in the ‘SPECIAL REQUESTS’ box during checkout. The 'SPECIAL REQUESTS' box can be found on the here page before the final checkout page.
Our Heat Policy can be viewed here. If you would like us to hold dispatch of your order for milder weather please leave instructions to do so in the 'SPECIAL REQUESTS' box found on the cart page before the final checkout. We are happy to hold it for as long as you like. All orders are fully insured so you can buy with full confidence that these tasty beverages will get to you in tip-top shape.
Returns are free for 100 days after purchase. You can view the conditions of our return policy here
For any other shipping related inquiries, please see our helpful FAQ, email us at hello@differentdrop.com or call us on 1300 668 385..
Do I have to order in dozens? No, please mix it up! You can order wines in any quantity and variation you like. You can order 1 bottle or 50. We challenge you to make the ultimate mixed pack of wine!
Are there volume discounts? No, our pricing is designed to be the best in market already - no marking up and then discounting down! For very large orders (weddings, etc) we are open to negotiating though. Just give us a call.
Do we price match? Yes, within reason. Everyday low & consistent pricing is something we strongly believe in. We want our customers to feel confident they are always getting the best price. If you see a price lower somewhere else let us know and we'll consider matching it. We'll even retrospectively issue you store credit if you have already purchased from us but you see a lower price somewhere later on. Our price match policy can be seen here.
Can coupons and discounts be stacked? No, only one discount or coupon can be applied to an order at once.
I am trying to add more of a wine to my cart but it won’t let me? This means we are running low on stock of that wine. So for example, if the website will only allow you to add 3 bottles and no more, then that is all we have of that particular wine. The good news is we may be able to order more for you. Just contact us on 1300 668 385 or hello@differentdrop.com and we'll organise the additional quantity for you.
Does Different Drop have a physical store? No. Just an a warehouse/office. We occasionally do events however, so sign up to our newsletter or follow us on instagram to stay in the loop.
Can I special order a wine you do not sell? If it’s doable, then we’ll make it happen. Just contact us directly via phone, chat or email and we’ll find out for you right away. Please note that in most cases special orders such as these will need to be in full case lots (6 or 12 bottles).
More FaQs: here
Sign up for the latest news & special offers
No spam, just the good stuff!