Hearts and Minds is the top-tier range from Clandestine Vineyards. The fruit was sourced from Jericho's Blewitt Springs vineyard planted in 1950.
This sees French oak for ten months - 15% new and the remainder in second and third use. Contract made by Ben Riggs, I can see his imprint. I find Riggs' wines to be on the weighty side and this Grenache is not much different. Blewitt Springs is known to display prettiness but this Grenache is weighed down. I tasted this alongside a few other Blewitt Springs and McLaren Vale Grenache wines and the difference was clear. It would be better, mind you, to benchmark this alongside others from the Jericho vineyard.
Dark fruited and on the heavier side of medium-bodied, some clove and char can be seen early on. It's a touch firm with bright acidity. Slightly grippy and chalky to finish, cinnamon and exotic spices curl around the mouth on close. There is a tension that keeps you fixated though but it also suggests that this needs more time. I'd be curious to see it in another year or two.
Available for purchase from 1 February.
Drink 2023 to five years+
92/100
Region: McLaren Vale
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