93 points - Huon Hooke - The Real Review

Wowee we just loved this big, tannic beast, here at Winesale.......

Massena was established at the turn of the century by Jaysen Collins and Dan Standish. Growing up amongst the old vines of the Barossa inspired a collaboration in making wines of character, balance and a reflection of the sense of enjoyment in the whole winemaking process. Traditional Barossa varieties are sourced, Shiraz, Grenache and Mataro from dedicated growers in the deep red soils of the North Western edge of the Barossa. These include the sub regions of Greenock, Stonewell and Moppa. These rare vineyards host dry farmed, low yielding vines up to 150 years of age. 

Massena is all about making wine from great vineyards and the way we go about it reflects this simplicity, with minimal intervention in the winery. Hand harvesting allows some whole bunch inclusion and the vineyard’s indigenous yeast is used in all ferments.

Saperavi is a highly tannic and deeply coloured variety, in fact the flesh is also coloured unlike most black grepes. It is native to Geogia but creeping in with some super cool producers in  Aus and the USA

Winery Description
"It took us a while to get this one right, when we were first experimenting with Petite Sirah the tannins were so pronounced that tasters actually started howling as it crossed their palate. We later planted other naturally tannic varietals Tannat and Saperavi, softening the tannins so the only howl we hear now is one of enjoyment. Taken from Dadd’s Block on the high side – sandy loam with long sunlight hours and low rainfall. The best of these varieties is selected each year, either on their own or as a blend.

Black as night and laden with an abundance of natural structure and personality, the palate surprises with immense flavour but with all elements in balance. Aromas of beetroot, tilled earth and juniper, the palate has an inky, iodine like deepness with elements of roasted coriander and cumin and a structure that is evident, but intriguingly supple. Built more along the lines of a marathon runner than a sprinter, it is already approachable but will greatly reward those who choose to keep a few bottles well into the future."