Dave Powell has always pronounced a strong influence from French wine styles and varietals in his approach to wine making, and The Pict fervently displays these influences. The wild, rugged and earthen aromas typically associated with the Bandol region of France provide the basis for this powerful single vineyard Mataro. Fresh soil, tree bark, cassis and leather dominate the nose with hints of spice, chocolate and drying meats evolving with time in the glass. The expansive palate is rich and dense with a rustic core of earth, tar and black olive all tightly framed by the wines mineral strewn tannins. Although beautifully balanced in its youth, The Pict has the constitution and structure to continually evolve for many years to come. The Picts, a tribe of fierce warriors, were the first people to inhabit Scotland. This wine is made from Mataro, and being one of the founding varieties planted in the Barossa, has been named in their honour. It is sourced solely from a single plot of ancient vines near the hamlet of Greenock. A truly rich, wild and untamed wine, enough to satiate a Pictish warrior.

A new offering, the 2004 The Pict, is a 220-case cuvee of 100% Mourvedre that tips the scales at 13.2% alcohol. Reminiscent of a 1998 Domaine Tempier Cuvee Speciale (a great vintage for that estate), it boasts an inky/blue/purple color, phenomenally intense blueberry and blackberry fruit characteristics, and hints of black truffles as well as fresh mushrooms. Deep and full-bodied, with superb fruit and the right amount of sweet tannin (a rarity for Mourvedre), this beauty should evolve slowly, and drink well for 15 or more years. Drink: 2006 - 2021 | Date Tasted: Oct 06; 95 Points; Robert Parker

Inky purple. Explosively perfumed nose features potent boysenberry, blueberry and lavender aromas deepened by licorice, espresso and musky underbrush. Broad, juicy dark berry flavors display impressive depth and sweetness, with gentle, harmonious tannins lending support. Remarkably balanced, pure and luscious, with outstanding persistence on the silky finish. This is one suave wine. 94 Points; Steven Tanzer