Axe Hill Machado 2010

Porty in more ways than one.

Table wines from Port varieties out of Portugal have gone big over the last 10 years or so – Dirk van der Niepoort and the rest of the so-called Douro Boys are worshipped by wine geeks for their efforts in this regard.

South Africa makes some decent Port but what of table wines from Port varieties? There have been some hesitant steps in this direction but so far nothing to get really excited about.

Now comes Machado 2010 from Calitzdorp producer, a blend of Touriga Naçional, Tinta Barocca, Souzão (matured in old French oak for 12 months) as well as Shiraz (new European oak).

It’s a valiant effort but somehow fails to convince completely . Concentrated dark fruit, the impression of sweetness, moderate acidity and soft tannins. Comforting rather than profound. Alc 14.75%, RS 2.8g/l, TA 5.8g/l, pH 3.74.

Score: 15/20