Vintage Notes
Winter rains that continued into spring set the stage for an excellent growing season. The ample soil moisture minimized frost risks, and the mild spring during bud break indicated a promising vintage. Although the season was dry, it remained mild with warm days and cool nights. The low disease pressure resulted in fruit that was rich in flavor, naturally high in acid, and had modest sugar levels. Wines from 2021 are enjoyable young but also have great aging potential, making this one of the standout vintages of the past decade.
Winemaking
Grenache blocks were hand-picked at various times to build layers of complexity from the vineyard. Early-harvested grapes were de-stemmed and fermented at lower temperatures to maintain floral aromas. Later-harvested fruit was de-stemmed and crushed with its own stalks in concrete fermenters. After inoculation, the fermentations were managed with twice-daily pump overs. They were allowed to peak in temperature early, then cooled to stay below 22°C.
After fermentation, the wine was bag pressed into tanks for malolactic fermentation (MLF), then transferred to terracotta amphorae for aging. The components were blended in early August, and the wine remained on lees in terracotta for another 8 months with bi-monthly bâtonnage. It was filtered before bottling.
Tasting Notes
The wine has a striking translucent ruby color. Its bouquet combines floral and fruity notes with a hint of spice. Aromas of dewy rose petal, cherry, and ripe, nearly stewed strawberry are accented by subtle savory hints. On the palate, the focus shifts to spice, with initial delicacy giving way to grip and concentration. Savory tannins enhance the complexity of the red fruit, balancing finesse and power. This Grenache is vibrant now and will age beautifully for over a decade. Decant before serving to fully enjoy its flavors.
Region:Marananga, South Australia
Alcohol Volume:14.6%
