August 28, 2022 - Screwcap, 14.5% alc. Vibrant dark red- fuchsia.
Nose of red licorice/star anise, boiled lollies, cherry, raspberries, plum. Toasted spices and pan juices in the distance.
Slippery, round, and generous in the mouth, very soft, fine tannins. Alcohol is a little distracting now, but not overtly. Pretty good sweet fruited length, however it lacks the tannin and acid to move from enjoyable drinking to excellent wine of its type.
Opinion: Not falling over given the surplus of fruit, but with fading tannins I don’t see this looking better than it does now. Day 5 update: surprisingly this is still powering on. Will live a while.
May 29, 2021 - From the back label Old vine Grenache 1946 , handpicked partial whole bunch wild yeast unfixed and unfiltered 100 dozen made
Vintage conditions heatwave conditions in Nov 2009 resulted in vet low yields
Colour pale ruby slight bricking , slightly cloudy 14/15
Nose as commented earlier a bit of funk on the nose smoky bramble , whole bunch stalkyness , reductive which does partial clear after 24 hours dark fruit dark cherries plum , wild raspberries, dusty tannins interesting complexity as a result of aging 28/30
Palate med bodied , flavours from the nose , very savoury but not bitter , velvety mouthfeel ,dusty tannins , long finish 39/44
Overall my first Head Grenache will some age . It did change for the better on Day 1 IMHO 9/11
July 15, 2020 - Screwcap, 14.5% alc. Dark crimson with youthful highlights.
Smoky, brambly, and savoury red with a stalky influence. Opens up very reductive, however after a day it clears up and emerges beautifully. Raspberry, star anise and some dark spices come to the fore.
Resolved, dusty tannins. Has a real presence on the palate, yet retains excellent balance and composure. Impressive length. Relatively lean through the mid-palate, it then fans out at the back.
Opinion: A lesson on how to do whole bunch fermentation well. It’s difficult to take my nose away from the glass, however the moreish palate helps. Could very well age further, maybe even another decade, however it’s showing so well now; why risk it. I’ll be drinking over the next 5 years. Give it a decant and go.
May 2, 2020 - A small sip goes a long way with this. Prodigious length and spread in the mouth. Raspberry, pan juices, baking spices, touches of stalk and redskin lolly, fine sandy tannin. Superb.
October 24, 2019 - Beautiful nose and rich palette of raspberries and mint
September 13, 2019 - Screwcap, 14.5% alc.
Deep dark red-black. Some sediment thrown.
Blue fruited with licorice and a gentle herbal complexity from the whole bunch addition.
Beautifully balanced in the mouth. Dusty tannins, a light seasoning of nutty oak. Deceptive; comes across simple but builds presence and complexity with air.
Opinion: Really smashable wine, yet it reveals something new at each sip. Drinking well after 4 days open. Drinking well now and should hold in this state for a number of years. Lovely.
October 23, 2015 - Screwcap, 14.5% alc. Magnificent glowing crimson hue.
Bright raspberry fruit initially up front, but with air the aromas take on a deeper, earthier, minerally aroma. Pan juices too. Alcohol makes it known slightly on the nose, but it isn’t distracting. The ever so slightly herbal, but really only savoury, whole bunch aromas begin to open up with air. Also some 5-spice.
Similar flavours flow through to the palate. Raspberry dominates and carries the wine’s impressive length. Only light-medium bodied but is has impressive composed power. Hints of becoming more savoury with time. Sandy tannins and a good acid balance make this wine very complete. Alcohol doesn’t make itself known in the mouth.
Opinion: Very nice grenache that veers to the side of savouriness rather than confectionary. Excellent value for money. Glad I have more. Try again in 3 years.
April 5, 2014 - Notes similar to when tried in 2011. I'd only add, balance of this bottle was less than ideal. Don't let this warm too much, or the 14.5% alcohol sticks out. Below 15 degrees or so, wonderful.
November 22, 2011 - Everything is there to suggest that this Grenache will age well for a Barossa example. Way too young at the moment and leave for at least 4 years.
August 27, 2011 - Fragrant nose, gorgeous ripe red fruits, raspberry and cherry, very fine tannins, perfectly balanced, long finish. Tastes delicious.