Insider Offer 2022 McLaren Vale Grenache
TASTING NOTE
A bright aromatic wine showing red cherry fruit, earthy spice and liquorice notes. The palate is generous and laden with red fruits; complemented with cardamom spice and woody herbs, over a supportive frame of fine grained tannins. A juicy and vibrant wine!
VINTAGE SUMMARY
We experienced another excellent growing season in 2021/2022 with a wet winter setting the vines up nicely. A very mild, but also dry, summer/autumn followed – meaning there was low disease pressure over a very gentle and extended ripening period.
Yields were slightly down on average but with other conditions being favourable, the season has resulted in excellent wines showing great varietal character and lovely fresh natural acidity.
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
94 Points - Sam Kim, Wine Orbit
"Youthfully charming and elegantly complex on the nose, showing dark berry, thyme, game and floral aromas, followed by a juicy palate displaying supple texture and rounded mouthfeel. Attractively styled and flavoursome."
2021 Vintage
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.”