2022 Rudderless Vineyard Malbec

Highly Rated
Rudderless is one of the more interesting producers in McLaren Vale, and this stunning Malbec perfectly encapsulates Doug Govan and Charlie Seppelt's winemaking.
4.5
Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars
2 Reviews

Price:
Sale price$35.00
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Description

The Rudderless Malbec is one of McLaren Vale's best examples of this underrated variety. Sourced from Doug Govan’s rugged vineyard on the slopes of Sellicks Hill, this Malbec perfectly captures the rich concentration and bold character that McLaren Vale can deliver. Malbec isn’t common in South Australia, but at Rudderless, it’s been given centre stage – and with impressive results.

Deep purple in the glass, this vintage offers up dark, brooding aromas of plum, black cherry, and coffee grounds, with underlying hints of dried rose petals and tobacco. It’s medium-bodied but with serious structure, thanks to tightly woven tannins and a vibrant line of acidity that holds everything together. On the palate, mocha and floral notes unfold, leading to a bold, lingering finish that’s packed with savoury complexity.

While the wine is already showing incredible potential, it’s currently a bit shy and will benefit from some patience. Cellar it for a few more years and let its power and depth fully reveal themselves. For those willing to wait, this Malbec promises to be a formidable, flavour-packed wine with a long future ahead. 

94+ points
"This was sullen and locked up when I tasted it last night, though I could see it had the makings of something good. Intense purple colour. Plum, dark cherry, coffee grounds, dried roses, rolling tobacco. Medium-bodied, a whole lot of structure here with crisp acidity and tightly packed ferrous and chamois-like tannin, mocha and floral mouth-perfume, with a bold finish of excellent length. Gee, this wine has a lot packed into its suitcase, though maybe wait a while before unpacking (like I do pretty much every time I come back from holidays). Formidable. Intense. Very good."
- Gary Walsh (The Wine Front)

This is a variety that can be found predominantly in France, Chile and Argentina. Traditionally used as a blending grape in Bordeaux, Malbec is relatively scarce in South Australia, being found principally in Langhorne Creek, and the Clare Valley. This is another variety that I am convinced can produce something really special from the soils of the Rudderless vineyard.

94+ points - "This was sullen and locked up when I tasted it last night, though I could see it had the makings of something good. Intense purple colour. Plum, dark cherry, coffee grounds, dried roses, rolling tobacco. Medium-bodied, a whole lot of structure here with crisp acidity and tightly packed ferrous and chamois-like tannin, mocha and floral mouth-perfume, with a bold finish of excellent length. Gee, this wine has a lot packed into its suitcase, though maybe wait a while before unpacking (like I do pretty much every time I come back from holidays). Formidable. Intense. Very good." - Gary Walsh (The Wine Front)

Customer Reviews

4.5
Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars
Based on 2 reviews
Total 5 star reviews: 1 Total 4 star reviews: 1 Total 3 star reviews: 0 Total 2 star reviews: 0 Total 1 star reviews: 0
2 reviews
  • BB Profile picture for Bert B.google logo
    Bert B.
    Verified Buyer
    Wine Knowledge Level Cork Dork
    3 years ago
    Wine Knowledge Level Cork Dork
    2020 Rudderless Vineyard Malbec
    Reviewing
    2020 Rudderless Vineyard Malbec
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    A favorite

    Rudderless Malbec is an annual purchase for me. It is the best Malbec I have found in Australia. Just delightful! Highly recommended.

  • RH
    Robert H.
    Verified Buyer
    Wine Knowledge Level Enthusiast
    4 years ago
    Wine Knowledge Level Enthusiast
    2020 Rudderless Vineyard Malbec
    Reviewing
    2020 Rudderless Vineyard Malbec
    Rated 4 out of 5 stars
    Easy to drink but nothing spectacular

    Good nose. Just felt it was a bit thin and lacked a nice long finish

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