A mere 55doz produced, spends 28m in shaved out, re-skimmed American Oak.
There's a growing culture of producing barrel aged beers in Australia's burgeoning beer scene. Upon opening this heavenly concoction from old mate Joe, I was reminded of such with its come hither port, and portly, Plum, raisin and nutty vibes.
Joe Evans is a man to be admired, making his wines in what you'd consider a house style, and perhaps the anti-thesis to himself. For Joe's diminutive size is the stark opposite to his larger than life wines.
This 2015 guise of the Ballycroft Mataro is a richly concocted brew, very much in the rum 'n' raisin mould, with dark spice that rides through the wine. Whilst an initial smoothness greets the drinker on entry, it's stature grows and envelopes the palate.
It's perhaps a little off balance initially for my personal ways, but fans of Joe's wines will lap this up and with some 'air time' or the cellar this settles into a nice rhythm. There's no denying the quality of Joe's hand tended fruit, when allowed to shine. 91
Tasted on: Tuesday 7th August, a Root day
Source: Sample
Price: $35
Alcohol: 14.7%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.ballycroft.com/
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Pinot Gris typically has that ripened pear aromatic profile, this Adelaide Hills example being no exception. It smells riper, you might even say it has that Autumnal feel - as opposed to, say the Spring of Riesling - with a heavier, veering to spice aspect. 
