2021 Corymbia Rocket's Vineyard Tempranillo Malbec
Region: Swan Valley, Western Australia, Australia
Grape: Tempranillo, Malbec
Culinary Suggestions: Cured Meats, Tapas, Grilled Meats
Vineyard Practice: Organic, Vegan
About
Corymbia is the deep-rooted, far-sighted vision of husband-and wife-team, Rob and Genevieve Mann. The Mann name is synonymous with Western Australia’s Swan Valley, where Rob’s pioneering grandfather Jack worked a remarkable 51 consecutive vintages for Houghton. Rob was just a boy when he joined his father - former Australian test cricketer Tony – in planting the vines on what is now the dry-grown, organically farmed Corymbia vineyard.
Rob was one of the crop of hotshots at Hardys during the reign of Stephen Pannell, before Rob himself took the mantle of senior winemaker at Hardys Tintara. From there he established a name for himself as one of the great talents of his generation during his time at the helm of Cape Mentelle. Genevieve, meanwhile, worked in South Africa, France, California and South Australia prior to moving to Margaret River in 2007 in the role of winemaker for Howard Park. The two of them kicked off their homecoming dream, Corymbia, with the 2013 vintage, during Rob’s tenure as estate director at Newton Vineyards in Napa Valley. Now firmly ensconced back in the Swan Valley, Rob and Gen’s Chenin Blanc and Tempranillo-dominant red blend were the start of the story and sit at the heart of the story. But in 2019 they added a dazzlingly pure, elegant single-vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon from Margaret River. With typical pluck and nous, the Manns have revitalised with acute attention to detail the Calgardup Vineyard, just 2km inland from the famous Redgate Beach. The result is a crystal-clear signal of the bright future that lies ahead for this brilliant duo. - Distributor Note
Tasting Notes
55% Tempranillo and 45% Malbec. I think maybe this is the best vintage I’ve tasted.
Cherry, plum, a pleasing whiff of bitumen, anise and spice, slight dried flower thing, maybe. It’s medium-bodied, but dense and rich, also very ‘mineral’ feeling with a beautiful spread of cocoa powder tannin, ample fruit, but tastes quite savoury, almost pencilly sort of thing. Acidity is cool and clean, and the finish is long, again those wonderful ferrous tannins trailing. Gee, I really like this.
96 points – Gary Walsh, The Wine Front July 2022
Drink: 2022 - 2032
That deep magenta colour grabs you from the outset, then lively aromatics of mulberry, poached rhubarb and all spice pull you in closer. The senses are filled with a slightly tart, slightly salty, slightly sweet sensation akin to the first bite of a perfectly ripe blood plum. Freshly picked blueberries and squid ink umami weave through this crunchy, vibrant, juicy, fleshy, turgid, lip-smacking and moreish wine. - Rob and Gen Mann