Mordrelle Red Masterclass Pack
Mordrelle Red Masterclass Pack
This sample pack gives you a brilliant cross-section of reds from up-and-coming winemaker Martin Moran at Mordrelle Wines.
Argentinian-born, based in the Adelaide Hills and sourcing fruit from both there and excellent vineyards in Langhorne Creek, Martin's wines are jam-packed with flavour and character, whether made from classic varieties or emerging.
These wines come loaded with phenomenal scores from the Halliday team, with the publication shortlisting Martin for the Halliday Wine Companion's Best New Winery in 2024.
*** Mordrelle’s beautiful labels are created from original artworks painted by Martin Moran's late father, renowned Argentinian artist Jose Luis Moran. The artworks are available for sale through the Mordrelle website.
The Pack Features
- 2022 Mordrelle Basket Press Shiraz
- 2022 Mordrelle Basket Press Cabernet Sauvignon
- 2023 Mordrelle The Gaucho Malbec
- 2022 Mordrelle Basket Press Barbera
- 2023 Mordrelle Basket Press Tempranillo
- 2023 Mordrelle Malbec Lagrein Cabernet Shiraz
2022 Mordrelle Basket Press Shiraz
Martin Moran’s 2022 Basket Press Shiraz is full-bodied Langhorne Creek done right – big on flavour but with a gentle, hands-on touch that keeps it all in balance. It’s made from a single vineyard site, basket pressed, and matured for 15 months in oak before bottling. Martin lets the fruit do the talking, but there’s no rush – everything here feels considered and in its place.
The wine’s got depth and richness, for sure, but it never feels overworked. You’ll find all the dark fruit and spice you'd expect from Shiraz in this neck of the woods, plus that little leafy edge that often shows up in Langhorne Creek reds. It’s full of flavour but holds its shape beautifully thanks to some very fine, supple tannin.
A great pick if you’re into classic South Aussie Shiraz but want something with a bit more finesse and polish. Just a really well-made wine from someone who clearly knows and respects his fruit.
96 points
"There’s so much flavour yet the wine feels unforced, gentle even... dark cherries and plums, warm spices, licorice and Chinese five-spice... energising to the last drop."
- Jane Faulkner (Halliday Wine Companion)
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2022 Mordrelle Basket Press Cabernet Sauvignon
This is classic Cabernet done with a light touch – all the varietal character you’d expect, but wrapped in a more relaxed, elegant frame. Grown in Langhorne Creek and made by Martin Moran at Mordrelle, it’s fermented in open-top vats, hand plunged twice daily, then matured in oak for 18 months to let the fruit settle and find its shape.
2022 was on the cooler side, which plays to the strengths of this style. You get all the blackcurrant, dark cherry and soft herb notes Cab’s known for, but without the heaviness. The palate is mid-weight, smooth and finely structured – no rough edges, just quiet polish and lovely balance from start to finish.
There’s a lot to like here, especially at the price. It’s a great reminder that good Cabernet doesn’t have to be big or flashy – just thoughtful winemaking, good fruit and a steady hand.
95 points
"This is all redcurrants, cassis and boysenberries dusted in cocoa powder, mint and licorice... the tannins so fine and detailed... I simply enjoyed what was in the glass and had a drink."
- Jane Faulkner (Halliday Wine Companion)
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2023 Mordrelle The Gaucho Malbec
Martin Moran grew up in Mendoza, walking the family vineyards as a child before an accident took his grandfather and, for years, put wine out of reach. He found his way back to it through an agriculture degree specialising in viticulture and oenology, then made his way to Australia - vintages in Langhorne Creek, Adelaide Hills and McLaren Vale - where he met and married Michelle, and with her parents' help, started making wine of his own.
The Gaucho is his homage to Mendoza, made from a single vineyard in Langhorne Creek, a region built for Malbec the way his hometown is. It's big and bold, true to the variety's roots, packed with purple florals, ripe plum, whiffs of chocolate and a peppery spice that carries through a long, dry finish. Structured and plush at once.
If you love Malbec with real weight and personality behind it, and a winemaker who's lived the variety on two continents, check this out.
95 points
"If you’re still wondering what makes malbec special, wonder no more. Try this. It starts with the variety’s exceptional colour – inky purple-black; next the distinct aromas of tar, warm earth, even a little peaty, pepper, pomegranate and fresh herbs. Flavours come in the form of dark plums and cherries, licorice and choc-mint, while the medium-bodied palate is full of grainy, shapely tannins led by the upfront acidity. Thoroughly enjoyed this; one of the most pleasing malbecs I’ve had in quite a while."
- Jane Faulkner (Halliday Wine Companion)
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2022 Mordrelle Basket Press Barbera
This is Barbera with a bit more flesh on the bones – still got that trademark acidity, but here it’s wrapped in juicy fruit and soft curves. Grown in the Adelaide Hills and made by Martin Moran at Mordrelle, it leans into the riper, more generous side of the variety without losing its natural lift.
Expect a heap of red fruit, a splash of spice and that zippy line of acidity that keeps it all moving. Tannins are fine and gentle, more suede than grip, making it a great option for those who usually stick to the richer end of the South Aussie red spectrum but want to dip their toes into something a little different.
It’s vibrant, approachable and seriously drinkable – a Barbera that still shows its Italian roots, just with a bit more warmth and generosity.
95 points
"Oh my, what a colour – super dark purple with a red overlay – so enticing, as much as the aromas and flavours within. Red cherries, raspberries, a little wild strawberry and all spiced to the max."
- Jane Faulkner (Halliday Wine Companion)
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2023 Mordrelle Basket Press Tempranillo
Tempranillo might be best known for its Spanish roots, but it’s clearly found its groove in Langhorne Creek – and in Martin Moran’s hands, it really sings. This 2023 release is full-bodied, ripe and generous, made from a single vineyard and basket pressed with care. Martin bled off a bit of juice early in the process to amp up the concentration, then let it rest for 15 months in seasoned oak to bring everything into balance.
The result is a bold, plush red with loads of cherry and dark berry fruit, earthy spice, and just the right hit of oak in the background. The tannins are fine and velvety, and while there’s plenty of richness here, it never feels heavy. It’s got that warm, generous feel you want in a Tempranillo, but still carries itself with polish.
Great with grilled meats or anything vaguely smoky or Spanish – or just on its own when you want a red with a bit of presence.
94 points
"It’s pure fruited – all plums and red berries – yet there’s detail, savouriness and depth, too... slinky and smooth, acidity cleansing as much as uplifting."
- Jane Faulkner (Halliday Wine Companion)
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2023 Mordrelle Malbec Lagrein Cabernet Shiraz
This red’s a bit of a house favourite – a Malbec-led blend from our mate Martin Moran at Mordrelle, made in tiny amounts from his Adelaide Hills vineyards. Malbec sits front and centre (50%), backed up by a good hit of Lagrein (35%) and just a splash of Cab and Shiraz to round things out.
Martin’s originally from Mendoza, and the Malbec clone he’s working with here was brought over from Argentina – you really see it in the deep colour and those lovely violet and black fruit notes. The Lagrein brings a little extra crunch and spice, and the whole thing just flows really nicely. Juicy, earthy, just the right amount of grip – it’s not trying to be fancy, just honest, more-ish and seriously drinkable.
It’s the kind of wine that feels just right with something hearty on the table, or even just a casual night in. No frills, no fluff – just a proper, characterful red made by someone who gives a damn.
*** Mordrelle’s beautiful labels are created from original artworks painted by Martin Moran's late father, renowned Argentinian artist Jose Luis Moran. The artworks are available for sale through the Mordrelle website.
95 points
"45/40/15% malbec/lagrein/cabernet sauvignon; magic numbers as this is harmonious. Earthy and floral, with dark fruit, dark spices, ironstone and fresh herbs. Juicy acidity weaves into the supple and plentiful tannins. The palate is composed, detailed, nothing heavy-handed here – an absolute joy to drink. Winemaker Martin Moran says he’s proud of the wine’s finesse, thus wants to share it with family and friends. I concur."
- Jane Faulkner (Halliday Wine Companion)
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