Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, the 2013 The Independent (Shiraz and Mataro) has an earthy/savory nose with notes of fertile loam, yeast extract and tar complementing the blackberry and black plum scents plus a hint of ground pepper. Medium to full-bodied, it gives pleasant restraint and savories in the mouth with chewy tannins and just enough acid, finishing with earth and pepper suggestions.

There is no question that mataro adds a colour to the artist’s palette, and to the consumer’s palate, with an elusive graphite edge to the blackberry and plum fruit aromas and flavours. A wine that may not need food, but will smile broadly if given the opportunity.