Tournon Mathilda Victoria Shiraz 2019 750ml +14%

M. Chapoutier Domaine Tournon Mathilda Shiraz 2019 is an approachable, elegant Australian Shiraz from Michel Chapoutier's Domaine Tournon project in the Pyrenees region of Victoria. Chapoutier (a Rhône specialist) established this estate in 2007, focusing on biodynamic/organic farming and cooler-climate Syrah/Shiraz to produce balanced, peppery wines with finesse rather than overripe jamminess. "Mathilda" is an entry-level cuvée in the range, emphasizing fruit purity and drinkability.

Blend and Production

• 100% Shiraz (Syrah).
• Sourced entirely from the Pyrenees vineyards (cooler climate with diverse soils: podzolic layers of clay and ferruginous schists).
• Organically farmed and certified (biodynamic influences in Chapoutier's philosophy).
• Aged entirely in cement or stainless-steel tanks (no oak influence) and bottled after about 12 months. This preserves freshness, vibrant fruit, and a pure expression of the grape and terroir without vanilla or toast notes. Alcohol around 14.5%.

The 2019 vintage in Australia was very good overall, delivering ripe yet balanced fruit despite some heat.

Tasting Notes

• Appearance: Brilliant dark ruby color.
• Nose: Deep and aromatic with black fruits (blackberry, plum, dark cherry, ripe red berry), pepper (white pepper prominent), spice (cloves), floral hints (violet), and savory herbs (thyme).
• Palate: Supple and "greedy" (juicy/generous) with silky, elegant tannins. Flavors echo the nose — dark berries, plum, savory white pepper and spice. Medium-bodied with good freshness, persistent finish, and smooth texture. It's described as balanced, velvety, and focused, with a lithe structure rather than heavy extraction.

This is a classic cool-climate Australian Shiraz: peppery and savory with ripe fruit, but elegant and food-friendly. It drinks well now (in 2026) and should hold nicely for a few more years.