2021 McLaren Vale Grenache

TASTING NOTE

Bright lifted red raspberry aromas on the nose. The palate is laden with red fruits which are complemented with fresh blood orange and Chinese five spice over a supportive frame of fine grained tannins. A juicy and vibrant wine!

VINTAGE SUMMARY

We experienced an almost textbook growing season over 2020/2021 with rainfall back at long term averages and mild weather over flowering which allowed for good fruit set leading to above average yields.

Over the ripening period we experienced cooler than normal weather leading to an extended time on vine to develop some great varietal characters, exceptional colour and tannin whilst maintaining bright natural acidities.

VINEYARD

Sourced from Willunga 100's own estate vineyard 'Blind Spot' in the sub-region of Blewitt Springs, McLaren Vale. Our Blind Spot vineyard has a beautiful aspect with views all the way to the gulf, and deep sandy soils that work wonderfully for dry grown, bush vine Grenache. This Grenache is crafted from 100% dry grown bush vines from three different sections of the vineyard, each with a slightly different aspect/elevation. Vine age is approximately 50 years old, and the soils of the vineyard are deep Maslin sand over a base of ironstone and clay.

WINEMAKING

The three selected parcels were hand harvested and vinified separately. The wines were fermented in stainless steel open fermenters. Two parcels were fermented with 20% whole bunch (equalling approx. 14% whole bunch across the wine). 10 days on skins, gently basket pressed. 60% of the wine was transferred to aged French oak puncheons post primary fermentation to undergo malolactic fermentation, the balance remained in stainless steel. The wine remained on fluffy lees for 10 months before being racked prior to bottling. No fining, vegan friendly.

WINEMAKER: Skye Salter

REGION: McLaren Vale


REVIEWS

93 points – Nick Bulleid MW, Gourmet Traveller Wine

“Won high points from Bourne, who commented: “Attractive bouquet of ripe plum and mulberries with a whiff of star anise. Juicy flavours, tight structure and a pleasingly energetic finish.” I was not far behind him, also noting rich sweet fruits with full body and depth of flavour. There’s plenty of mouth-coating tannin, suggesting the wine needs a little time to settle in.”

90 Points Halliday Wine Companion, Ned Goodwin

“A label that provides value across exceptional sourcing, while championing righteous varieties and regional terroirs at friendly pricing. In this case, a sustainable site in Blewitt Springs with 50+yo bush vines. Dark cherry, clove, menthol and bracken. The tannins, expansive and long limbed.”