Dapper Grenache 18

2018 was a fairly textbook vintage in the Vale. A hot growing season, provided the perfect growing conditions for Grenache. The vineyard this wine came from on McMurtrie Rd, held on beautifully and was picked at 14 Baume, with lovely flavours and ripe tannins already present. It was crushed and fermented using wild yeast, in large open fermenters, and hand plunged 2-3 times a day. This led to the wine becoming nicely balanced between big and rich, and pretty/elegant in style. It was then matured in 20% 2 yr old French oak, and 80% seasoned oak until being bottled 15 months later. 4% McLaren Vale shiraz was added pre-bottling for a bit more structure and oomph.

Deep purple in colour. Rich depth of tone.

Purple fruits such as plum and dark cherry, mix with dark chocolate and toasty spice. A perfume of guava and jasmine lie in wait, followed by some secondary flavours of cherry cola.

A richer, riper style than in previous vintages, but beautifully balanced. There’s some background cedary toastiness, confectionary characters such as toffee apple chews. As well as thyme/tarragon, melding with the ripe fruit flavours. The tannins are soft and grainy, with a slight tightness which indicates good cellaring potential. The wine lingers, as the finish keeps on keeping on.