When Lucia said that this wine tasted “joyful”, we realised that we didn’t need to find any other justification for adding it to our list. If a wine tastes “joyful”, it would surely take an act of peculiar perversion not to include it! It’s such an aromatically pretty expression of Grenache, like a punnet of strawberries waved under your nose, and a palate that is lithe and succulent and fine-boned, showing old-vine intensity without heaviness, similar to those elegant Comando G Garnachas from the Sierra de Gredos. 14.5% alc. Drink now-2030.

Winemaker note:

A celebration of the dogged stubbornness of pioneering McLaren Vale families, who persisted with their plots of Grenache, when others implored them to turn their land to other pursuits. From very old bush-vines (each vineyard is eighty years plus), we make a contemporary Grenache with fragrance, succulence and structure (a little like our favourite Pinots!). Viva la Grenache!

Press reviews:

Decanter: “The pretty bouquet is beguiling; firm yet understated and nuanced. A lean palate with a powerful presence, mixing grip with light raspberry and plum tones that have lovely persistence within a supple but deliberate tannin frame. Long, mineral and effortlessly poised. Matured for six months in large old oak barrels. Drink now-2032.” 97 points

James Suckling: “The aromas are sumptuous, encompassing kirsch, peony, lilac, juniper and anise. The time on skins has been extended in recent years, as have the picking windows, necessitating separate ferments. Just a little candied rose water, detracting. The attention to detail, however, is manifest in the growing stature and beauty of this cuvee. Drink or hold.” 94 points