I became acquainted with Grant Burge through their Benchmark Shiraz, I started drinking on Friday nights when I was out in Manila. The prices were pretty steep; however, when I frequented certain high range restaurants – Benchmark shiraz was my first choice. So I saw their tawny on the shelf, it was worth a look so I handed over my Visa card hoping to not be disappointed. How it worked out – I was disappointed. It is a Barossa Valley wine, normally a favourite area for me so that adds to my disappointment.

I looked up the website, this tawny is a blend of grenache and mataro with some shiraz. Matured in older bariques and hogsheads, I really don’t think the old wood and six years imparted much wood flavours. Whilst the use of the solero process is well represented, the average age of the fortified wine I normally drink is generally much older, it shows.

Will extra age improve this tawny? I really don’t think so, the style is just too light. This tawny lacks the legs, I really don’t like the style. I think we are seeing too much grenache and not enough shiraz. Mataro is sometimes known as mourvèdre as is a major variety in the Rhône region of France but I really think this tawny falls short.