Community Tasting Note
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Rote Kappelle Likes this wine: 94 points
July 13, 2021 - This is an exciting producer in the newer McLaren Vale style that looks to keep the sweet, ripe element, but also to introduce a bit more elegance and aromatic lift.
The bottle is under a sensible, reliable seal, not cork. Opened about 6 hours, undecanted, when I made this note.
Colour is deep, magenta and cherry, alive and with a little fading towards rim as you tilt glass. The colour speaks of power and depth to come.
The nose is a wonderful mix of Grenache raspberry and Shiraz blackberry, with a hint of greenery, pepper and smoke for complexity. Is there also a quiet note of vanillan oak? There is almost a fruit pastille element here. Don't mistake this for lolly water, however.
The palate is vivacious, succulent, svelte, intense and long. I think this is exceptional at the price and damned good at any price. Tannins are supporting this wine; they are not assertive but are ripe, well regulated and will support cellaring. There is enough acid to ensure that the wine is unlikely to end up tasting tired or baked if you do cellar it. Flavours are as per nose.
I love this. Grenache is a tricky bugger, especially as a single varietal. I love what it can do when blended with Shiraz or Mourvedere. This wine was from a real bastard of a summer in Oz, but the cooling sea breezes that come in the afternoon at McLaren Vale seem to have tempered the excesses of the summer. If you want a glass of bottled sunshine, with elegance and poise then get this. It really is worth finding.2 people found this helpful 1,072 views