wa2.gif (4241 bytes)


abut9.gif (3095 bytes)



abut12.gif (3207 bytes)
abut10.gif (3636 bytes)


abut11.gif (4039 bytes)



 

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

Back to top