Lienert Vineyards Tierra del Puerco Tirzah Malbec 2022

The team at Lienert, brothers John and James, have named their little piece of the Barossa as ‘Tierra del Puerco’, a nod to its history as one of this country’s finest pig studs. Malbec is perhaps not the first grape one thinks of when looking at Barossa reds, but on the evidence of this wine, it would not be a bad idea for us to be seeing more of it. It has a place.

This is powerful and slightly rustic, an old-fashioned style. Dark maroon in colour, there are notes of dry herbs, animal hides, mushrooms, dark fruits, dry vegetation and even a touch of woodsmoke. This is perfect for pizza night in front of the footy thanks to its slippery texture on the palate, good length and silky tannins. Enjoyable now, but will also take a few years in the cellar.

Vintage: 2022

Grape Variety: Malbec

Region: Shea-Oak Log, Barossa Valley