2015 the twilight path
Grape Variety: 66% Primitivo 27% Mataro 7% Graciano
We planted this well-worn piece of land to vineyard in 2000 with a whole bunch of new varieties such as Primitivo, Tannat, Saperavi and Petit Sirah as well as some old favourites - Mataro and Cinsaut. Everywhere the vines vary in height, canopy cover and berry size. The rocky soils and inconsistent water retention is what makes this South Moppa vineyard so special. Rose quartz in some parts and high slope sandy loam over clay in others, the different berry sizes give us complexity in our ferments and the varying aspects and soil sub structure means many different varietals thrive here.
Dadd’s Block encapsulates Massena Wines – non-conformist, minimalist, edgy…awesome. One day we’ll build our Cellar Door here.
Sub Region: South Moppa
Winemaking: Primitivo was handpicked and 30% whole bunch fruit was added to the ferment for complexity and lifted aromatics. The Primitivo was aged in tank to retain its freshness, whilst the Mataro and Graciano were both aged without sulphur in seasoned barrels to soften and age and bring some complimentary secondary characters. The individual cuvees were then blended and bottled unfiltered and unfined.
The Wine: Zippy and fresh, with the sour cherry brightness complemented by some chalky stalk tannin and a clean fresh finish. Drink the twilight path young and always with friends.
Cellaring: Up to five years.
“2015 the twilight path - 94 points
Blend of primitivo, mataro, graciano, which is probably a world first, but who’s counting? The idea here, it seems, is to build early complexity in layers of perfume and flavour, which certainly has been done. It’s heady in its mix of pot pour, spice, dark curranty fruit aromas, supple in texture yet shows concentration and depth. Really quite excellent.”
“2015 the twilight path - 90 points
It’s great to see a different varietal mix. Massena’s ‘The Twilight Path’ is a blend of primitivo, mataro and graciano. The primitivo component is quite prominent on the nose with fragrant blackberry fruit plus a little leafiness. There is a lovely earthiness, presumably coming from the mataro and some bright red fruit from the graciano. There are also nuances of tobacco, blueberry and sour cherry. The acidity is bright and the tannins are ripe and gentle. A very satisfying, and appealing early drinking style, great with casual fare such as Spanish tapas.”
“2015 the twilight path - 91 points
Blend of primitivo, mataro and graciano from the Barossa.
Succulent red wine. Juicy and fresh. Red berries, light and lovely. Some firmness to the finish but the fruit keeps pouring on through. Refreshing. Both polished and pure. Drink it young.”
“2014 the twilight path - 92 points - Barossa blend of primitivo (70%), mataro (20%) and graciano. It’s no shrinking violet. It’s dark in colour and deep of flavour, with jammy blackberry and tar flavours through the middle before rusty, ferrous, campfire notes add intrigue around the edges. The finish/aftertaste then turns sweet, raspberried, almost liqueurous, though dry/grainy tannin is a handy offset. Very good. ”
“2014 the twilight path - 91 points - A 70/20/10% blend of primitivo, mataro and graciano as far removed from its Howling Dog sibling as the sun and the moon; this has a dart board of juicy, spicy, earthy nuances all in a light to medium-bodied frame. To be enjoyed while The Howling Dog calms down.”
