Thought readers might like to know about an excellent and unusual mourvedre from Australia. The Hewitson Old Garden Mourvedre is made from grapes grown from a Barossa vineyard planted in 1853. It's one of the oldest still functioning vineyards in Australia and the makers claim they have is the oldest mourvedre vines. Who knows. Either way, it's a rich, warm and robust wine with great length and tannins and has great varietal character. It is made in small quantities and can be hard to find but sells for around 45 Aust dollars.

All well & good, but does it ... "reek of roadkill?" What an odd, odd article. Thanks for the tip, however. It's a pretty heady price but obviously, less expensive than a trip to the Land Down Under.