The
New Barossa
Part 22:
Massena vertical
Massena is a collaborative effort between Jaysen
Collins and Dan Standish; it’s one of the ‘New Barossa’ wineries
I wrote up last
year.
I caught up with them both at Jaysen’s home for a
lovely dinner and a chance to taste a vertical of some the wines made
so far. I was quite impressed with what they’ve done, wnd with a few
vintages under their belts now, it’s quite a track record that’s
building up. The 2003 Moonlight Run and 11th Hour are a cracking pair
of wines. Here are my notes.
Massena Moonlight Run 2000
150 cases were made of this old vine blend. It’s 50% old vine
Grenache from a single vineyard outside Tanunda with 45% Shiraz from
the same vineyard and 5% Cinsault from an old vineyard near Veritas.
This inaugural vintage has a very earthy, spicy nose with some
evolution evident. The palate shows vivid fruit with a slightly
medicinal edge. There’s a hint of baked quality to the fruit. A nice
savoury wine with good concentration. Very good+ 89/100
Massena Moonlight Run 2001
A hot Barossa year, this. It’s from 120 year old bush vine
Grenache near Greenock, with some Mataro from the same district and
some dry grown Shiraz from a north Barossa vineyard. 400 cases made.
It has a savoury, firm, tight spicy nose with a dark, roasted
character and some medicinal notes. The palate is concentrated and
rich with a nice tight spiciness. A big, dense, tight wine with a
savoury finish. Nice stuff with some evolution ahead of it. Very
good/excellent 93/100
Massena Moonlight Run 2002
This has a bit more Cinsault in it. 400 cases made. Lovely palat
showing concentrated, rich fruit with sweetness and savouriness
combining well. The palate is dark, spicy and intense with nice
complexity. Lovely weight to it: fantastic structure. Very
good/excellent 92/100
Massena Moonlight Run 2003
A big rainfall during the growing season led to 30% crop loss,
mainly through split berries. 550 cases made. Exotic spices with a
hint of ginger on the nose, together with some dark, sweet, intense
meatiness. Wonderful concentration on the palate with lovely fruit
richness. Sweetly fruited and peppery. Distinctive, bold and intense.
Very good/excellent 94/100
Massena Moonlight Run 2004
Sample of final blend. 750 cases made. It’s hard to assess, but
there’s lovely ripeness and richness. Quite fresh with good acidity.
Rich, sweet and chocolatey. Everything is there.
Massena Barbera Dolcetto 2004
100 cases made. A really interesting ripe, spicy nose with a
savoury edge. The palate is concentrated and displays vivid red fruits
with a savoury tang. Good acid and sweetness to the fruit. Nice stuff
showing lovely vibrant fruit. Very good/excellent 91/100
Massena 11th Hour Shiraz 2003
Luscious, inviting, sweet dark fruits nose. The palate is hugely
concentrated with lush, ripe, sweet fruit and spicy structure. Bold,
rich and chocolatey—a lovely wine. Very good/excellent 94/100
Wines
tasted October 2005
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