Linear Hilltops Tempranillo 2023

NATHAN BROWN

This is how tempranillo should be done. This does not rely on juby, simple, tutty-fruity styling here but leans into a more serious version reminiscent of Ribera del Duero or great fresh Toro styles rather. Black raspberry, that hit of sweet spice, some ground pepper and a delicate hit of violet florals. The palate isn't huge but its tightly packed and scored with firm tannins that the black,plummy fruits hang off nicely. Looks Spanish in style but set with lovely punchy fruit too.

Moppity Vineyard, Hilltops, NSW. The vineyard site sits at 600m altitude, just a stones throw from the township of Young. The cool climate region provides warm days and cool nights during the ripening period, which helps retain natural acids in the wine.Fermented for 12 days in open top fermenters, post fermentation rested on skins for a further 14 days prior to pressing, aged in a mix of 2 & 3 year old French oak for 10 months.

Founded by former restaurateur-turned-winemaker Nathan Brown in 2018, Linear Wines sources intriguing parcels of fruit across the Canberra District, Tumbarumba, Hilltops and Gundagai. His wines are small-batch with hand-worked vineyards, a focus on alternative varieties and a custom facility born from a converted helicopter hangar. Brown’s winemaking leans toward purity and site expression: cool ferments, minimal new oak and a confident, evolving style that reflects the region’s altitudes and soils.