The new faces behind the Curtis Family Vineyards are Mark, Thomas & Jenna Curtis, with the guidance of their father, Claudio Curtis who lives on the vineyard just outside McLaren Vale. The name Curtis is thought to derive from Curtius, a noble and wealthy family of the First and Second Centuries AD, the Roman Empire era originating from the Latinium people. 

The nose exhibits aromas of ripe blackcurrants and dark plum followed by some spice notes. Full-bodied and possessing a plump texture the palate delivers rich juicy flavours of ripe blackberry, dark chocolates, liquorice and spice. Soft velvety tannins. Good depth with medium to long finish of blackberries, milk chocolate and spice.

This wine is both stern and plush at once. It tastes of blackcurrant, gum leaf, gravel, cedarwood and sweet sawdust, with bay leaf and rust characters giving it an extra edge, and indeed lift. Those rust-like notes extent to a rusty, dry, characterful tannin profile, the latter contributing to the wine’s stern, structural persona. Roast lamb, char-grilled steak or anything from the barbecue really: this wine would be a beautiful partner to it. Alcohol: 14.5%; Price: $70.00; Rated: 94 Points; Campbell Mattinson

From the superb 2021 vintage. Opaque maroon in hue, the nose reveals notes of animal skins, dried herbs, tobacco leaves, blackberries and licorice, with an overlay of oak, deftly handled. The note of savouriness is a highlight. There is decent length to be had here, with balance, direction and focus, and the wine finishes with fine tannins. This is a ten year proposition, longer if you have the patience. Drink to: 2025-2035; Price: $70.00; Rating: 94 Points; Ken Gargett