$72.00
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Region: McLaren Vale
Grapes: Grenache
First Glance: Elegant, Structured, Fragrant, Fine
Acclaim: 97pts
The Wine:
The 2023 growing season was marked by ample winter rain, followed by a cool and moist spring. These conditions delayed budburst and slowed shoot growth, resulting in a late flowering and fruit set. The cool summer extended the ripening process further, leading to a slightly delayed but short harvest period. These unique seasonal influences contributed to the wine’s refined acidity, captivating tension, fine tannins, lifted fruit expression, and distinct mineral notes.
With 60% whole bunch inclusion, the fruit underwent its meticulously gentle fermentation process over an average period of seven weeks. The wine was then further aged for 17 months in 22HL Slavonian Oak Foudre, This time allowed elevage through a
second winter, and the wine was racked early spring to prepare for bottling.
Bottled without fining or filtration at the optimal natural ambient temperature in November 2024.
This Grenache is a true reflection of its terroir, offering an elegant balance of elevated acidity, fine grained silky tannins, vibrant and lifted red fruit characteristics, and a distinctive minerality.
The Review:
Marcus Ellis, Halliday Wine Companion - 97pts
"Vanguardist-farmed Rende vineyard bush vines, around 55 years old; 60% whole bunch, with about seven weeks on skins; matured in 2200L Slavonian oak. The cool vintage has its say. Refined, fragrant and elegant, but savoury and spicy, too. Distinct nebbiolo/nerello mascalese riffs, more the latter – an increasing theme at this address. Dried cranberry and cherry, freeze-dried raspberry and orange, from dehydrated peel to the bitter orange note in amaro, chinotto, Campari … five spice, clove, green cardamom, white pepper, alpine herbs, sour plum, dried mint, pressed flowers, warm terracotta. It’s finer of feel. Is it lesser for it? Nope. It’s laden with so much flavour and etched with ultra-fine but authoritative tannins and refreshing acidity. This also opens up and holds for days, suggesting a very bright future. So individual; so stunning."
