{"product_id":"olivers-taranga-mencia-2025","title":"2025 Oliver’s Taranga Mencía | 95 Points \u0026 Gold Medal","description":"\u003ch3 class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e🔥 95 Point Mencia | Australia's Pioneering Mencia Vineyard | One of McLaren Vale's Most Exciting Alternative Reds\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCherry. Blood plum. Blackberry. Potpourri. Sumac. Sarsaparilla. Savoury tannins.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIf you've never tasted Mencia before, this is where I'd start.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e95 Points – Halliday Wine Companion\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGold Medal – 2025 Australian Alternative Varieties Wine Show\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e100% McLaren Vale Mencia | Corrina Wright | Small Batch | RRP $37\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThis is why alternative varieties are so exciting in Australia. A grape most people have never heard of, planted in McLaren Vale by a family willing to take a chance — and now we're looking at a 95-point wine for $37.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003e2025 Oliver's Taranga Mencia\u003c\/strong\u003e is something genuinely different.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnd more importantly:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIt's bloody delicious.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat the Hell Is Mencia?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMencia — pronounced roughly \u003cstrong\u003eMen-thee-ah\u003c\/strong\u003e — is a red grape native to northwestern Spain, most famously associated with \u003cstrong\u003eBierzo\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you haven't tried it before, don't worry.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMost Australian wine drinkers haven't.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBut that needs to change.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMencia can produce incredibly attractive reds combining:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCherry\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBlackberry\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFlorals\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSavoury herbs\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpice\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFresh acidity\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFine, grippy tannins\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt's juicy without being simple.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFragrant without being delicate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSavoury without being hard.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAnd in McLaren Vale, it makes a hell of a lot of sense.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOliver's Taranga Planted Australia's First Mencia\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is where the story gets really good.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOliver's Taranga isn't simply another Australian winery jumping onto an emerging variety.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCorrina Wright planted Australia's first Mencia vines in 2011.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe first red Mencia was produced in \u003cstrong\u003e2016\u003c\/strong\u003e, making Oliver's Taranga one of the genuine pioneers of the variety in this country. The 2024 release was described by Halliday reviewer Marcus Ellis as arguably the Australian \u003cstrong\u003e“touchstone for mencía.”\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThink about that.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFourteen years after planting the vines, we're now looking at:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e95 POINTS\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003efrom Halliday for the 2025.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe experiment worked.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e95 Points – Halliday Wine Companion\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 2025 has taken another step forward with:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e95 POINTS\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003efrom \u003cstrong\u003eHalliday Wine Companion\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnd that score is particularly exciting given the trajectory of this wine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe previous 2024 release received \u003cstrong\u003e93 points\u003c\/strong\u003e from Halliday, with Marcus Ellis praising its deep floral perfume, blackberry and blueberry fruit, dark spice, earthy complexity, supple texture and fine tannins. \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNow the 2025 has jumped to 95.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis isn't just an interesting alternative variety anymore.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThis is seriously good wine.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGold Medal – Australian Alternative Varieties Wine Show\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnd Halliday isn't alone.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 2025 Oliver's Taranga Mencia won:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e🥇 GOLD MEDAL\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eat the \u003cstrong\u003e2025 Australian Alternative Varieties Wine Show\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe official show results confirm the 2025 Oliver's Taranga was one of only \u003cstrong\u003etwo Mencias awarded Gold\u003c\/strong\u003e in its class. \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat's pretty fitting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe family that pioneered Mencia in Australia is now producing one of the country's benchmark examples.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe 2025 Is Absolutely Loaded with Personality\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOliver's Taranga describes the 2025 as starting with:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDusky florals\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePotpourri\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRipe berries\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSumac spice\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRhubarb\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuince\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBlood plum.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnd then the palate takes over.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCherry + Plum Compote\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ewith blackberry, wine gums and sarsaparilla adding another layer of fruit and savoury complexity. \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThis doesn't sound like another generic Australian red.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnd that's exactly the point.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAppearance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Brilliant purple-red. Vibrant, youthful and inviting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e Wonderfully distinctive. \u003cstrong\u003eBlood plum, blackberry and ripe berries\u003c\/strong\u003e meet potpourri and dusky florals, followed by rhubarb, quince and exotic sumac spice. \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePalate:\u003c\/strong\u003e Plush cherry and plum compote initially give the impression of generosity, but a savoury line of acidity quickly brings everything into balance. Blackberry, dark berries, sarsaparilla and spice add layers of complexity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTexture:\u003c\/strong\u003e This is where things get particularly interesting. There's some genuine tannin — gritty and savoury through the middle — before becoming more velvety toward the finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Fresh, floral and savoury, with dark fruit and spice lingering beautifully. \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWarm and plush, but still fresh.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat's the balancing act.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMcLaren Vale – But Not as You Know It\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen most people hear McLaren Vale red, they immediately think:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eShiraz.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrenache.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCabernet Sauvignon.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnd increasingly:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTempranillo.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBut Mencia?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat's where things get interesting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOliver's Taranga has spent years experimenting with varieties suited to the region's climate and soils, with more than \u003cstrong\u003e50 individual vineyard blocks\u003c\/strong\u003e across its roughly 300-acre property encompassing different varieties, clones, soil types and vine ages. \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Small Batch range exists precisely to showcase blocks and varieties that perform particularly well in a given vintage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAnd Mencia has become one of the stars.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Oliver Family – Six Generations in McLaren Vale\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere's serious history behind all this experimentation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOliver's Taranga has been connected to McLaren Vale for generations, while the current winemaker is:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCorrina Wright – Sixth Generation.\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat's what I love about the story.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis isn't a new-wave producer without roots.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt's an old McLaren Vale family willing to ask:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat else can we grow here?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnd instead of simply planting another block of Shiraz, they planted an obscure northwestern Spanish grape.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThat's exciting.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2025 – Small Berries, Huge Flavour\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 2025 vintage was one of the earliest Oliver's Taranga has experienced.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePicking started on:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e24 January\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eand by:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e13 March\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ethe entire \u003cstrong\u003e110-hectare vineyard\u003c\/strong\u003e had been harvested. \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe season was extremely dry.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat resulted in:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSmaller berries\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ebut crucially:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eExcellent concentration of flavour.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eConsistently warm days also allowed for even ripening across the vineyard. \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnd apparently the local rainbow lorikeets knew something.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCorrina Wright says they took a particular liking to the early-ripening:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTempranillo and Mencia.\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSmart birds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e100% Mencia\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo blending it away.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo Shiraz added to beef it up.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe wine is:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e100% Mencia\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003efrom:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e100% McLaren Vale.\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat's important because we're getting a proper expression of the grape rather than Mencia being used simply as seasoning in a blend.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnd at:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e14% alcohol\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ethere's plenty of fruit and generosity, but the savoury acidity and tannins keep the wine beautifully alive. \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSmall Batch – And Only 8,667 Bottles\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHere's another little detail I like.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProduction of the 2025 was only:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e8,667 bottles.\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat's tiny.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnd it reinforces the point of Oliver's Taranga's Small Batch range.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese aren't huge-volume commercial wines.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey're wines made because a particular:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVariety\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBlock\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVintage\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ehas shown something worth bottling.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Value Is Ridiculous\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOliver's Taranga currently sells the 2025 Mencia direct for:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e$37.\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYour RRP:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e$37.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnd for that you're getting:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e100% Mencia\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e100% McLaren Vale\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAustralia's pioneering Mencia vineyard\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSixth-generation winemaker Corrina Wright\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSmall Batch production\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOnly 8,667 bottles\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e95 Points – Halliday Wine Companion\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGold Medal – Australian Alternative Varieties Wine Show\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFor thirty-seven dollars.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat's exactly the sort of wine I want people to take a punt on.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBecause the risk is tiny.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnd the reward is huge.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIf You Like These Wines, Try Mencia\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf your cellar is full of nothing but big Shiraz, this may not be the obvious next step.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBut if you love wines like:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePinot Noir\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGamay\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrenache\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrappato\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMencía from Bierzo\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eor simply fragrant, savoury, medium-weight reds:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGet into this.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt has enough fruit to be immediately appealing, but enough florals, acidity, spice and tannin to make it genuinely interesting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAnd that's what makes the bottle disappear.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFood Pairings\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOliver's Taranga suggests \u003cstrong\u003epaella\u003c\/strong\u003e, and it's difficult to think of anything more appropriate. \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI'd also go with:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChorizo\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChargrilled lamb\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePork belly\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eJamón\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpanish tapas\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMushroom paella\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGrilled chicken\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWood-fired pizza\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRoast pork\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eManchego\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnd I'd happily give it a slight chill in warmer weather.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNot cold — just cool enough to make those florals and dark fruits jump out of the glass.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy We Love It\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is exactly what excites me about alternative varieties in Australia.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe're not trying to make another version of Shiraz.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWe're finding varieties that genuinely belong here.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnd Mencia increasingly looks like one of them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou're getting:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRare Spanish variety\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOne of Australia's pioneering Mencia plantings\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e100% Mencia\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMcLaren Vale\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDusky florals \u0026amp; potpourri\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCherry\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBlackberry\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBlood plum\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSumac spice\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRhubarb \u0026amp; savoury complexity\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVelvety tannins\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e95 Points – Halliday Wine Companion\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGold Medal – Australian Alternative Varieties Wine Show\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnd the RRP?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e$37.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThis is the sort of wine you buy because you're curious — and then come back for because it's delicious.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003e2025 Oliver's Taranga Mencia\u003c\/strong\u003e has all the fruit generosity you'd expect from McLaren Vale, but there's something completely different happening around it:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFlorals. Spice. Savouriness. Freshness. Grip.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt's warm and plush without becoming heavy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInteresting without becoming weird.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAnd ridiculously easy to drink.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e95 Halliday. Gold Medal. Australia's pioneering Mencia vineyard. $37.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e👉 If you've never tasted Mencia, start here. And if you already love Mencia, you need to see what Corrina Wright is doing with it in McLaren Vale. This is one of Australia's most exciting alternative reds.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Oliver's Taranga","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52568798921006,"sku":null,"price":37.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0950\/5010\/5134\/files\/2025Oliver_sTarangaMencia.webp?v=1788575378","url":"https:\/\/liquidvibe.com.au\/products\/olivers-taranga-mencia-2025","provider":"liquidvibe.com.au","version":"1.0","type":"link"}