I’ve coveted a Matassa wine since...well, since forever.

Tom Lubbe was born in Cape Town, grew up in New Zealand, came back to Cape Town and started making natural wines. Then moved to France to work with Domaine Gauby. And finally, for now, settled in Roussillon.

The Wine:

Hazy pale orange/amber in colour (there's a fucking huge grin on my face because it felt so good typing this...it felt good assess a wine that flies in the face of what WSET would approve of). A medium nose of awesomeness. But seriously: yellow cling peaches, honey, orange blossoms, tangerine, kelp, mushroom, barnyard wet earth and sour socks (in the best way possible), strong rooibos tea with honey. And sultanas...hello Muscat! Musky nutmeggy dusty flowers? I know this flower...freesias? It’s a flower I can’t resist smelling every spring...I think it’s freesias with its sweet clean hypnotic scent.

The palate is dry, medium bodied with medium acidity. As you open your mouth to take a sip you’re hit by the Muscat prettiness. Pears, musk, citrus, peaches, floury cidery overripe apple, quince and soft tea tannins. The medium finish leaves you with sweet wilde els and salinity. I can't help comparing it to a blend of Ceylon and Rooibos tea, infused with some Wilde Als (African Wormwood). I’m in love with these aromas and flavours.

Vini + Viti:

100% Muscat d’Alexandrie from Languedoc Rousillon. Spontaneous fermentation. Pressed once dry. Aged on the lees for 11 months in 500L barrels.

Natural...organic, unfined and unfiltered with no added sulphites.

Conclusion:

Balance (1) + Length (½) + Intensity (1) + Complexity (1...can I give this a higher score!) = A very good wine.

I suspect WSET would deduct marks for the balance to this wine. I find it to be a wonderful, textural journey through a complex range of aromas and flavours...a wine that evolves, challenges and captivates you with each sniff and sip.  It's that friend who doesn't fit into any boxes, keeps you guessing and delighted at every turn, and who's an absolute joy to be around.

Drink now, but has potential for further ageing.

Final Thoughts:

This wine made me feel like a kid on Christmas morning who got exactly what she wanted for Christmas...it's handy playing Santa to yourself.

Tasted on a Leaf Day according to the Biodynamic Calendar for the SH.

Find the Wine:

I picked this up at https://www.winecellar.co.za/