I had the opportunity to taste this during the week with Yalumba's red winemaking gun Kevin Glastonbury. Such a cool and charismatic gent, Grenache flows through his veins. His meticulous approach is evident in this new release Vine Vale Grenache.
Sales of this Grenache have been thundering along so the composition of this 2021 is slightly different from those of years gone by. The 2020 was made with 100% whole bunches off one site but an increase in production has seen two blocks blended. A 1949 planted block is 100% whole bunch and a second block planted in 1929 sees 30% whole bunches with the overall total now 61%. But let's just pause for a moment and consider the age of the vines contributing to this $40 wine... Extraordinary really when you look at the price.
This 2021 is the first vintage that puncheons (8 year old) have been used to ensure a softer maturation.
Slick describes this Grenache best. Softly textured, red fruits sing. It opens up and there is a savoury wrestle with fruit. Blue fruits rise up adding another level of prettiness. Picked at mid 13s brings a slight mintiness and red pepper character with it. But those soft blue and red berries waltz on and glisten. Superfine spices are draped through the mouth like a velvet blanket and that finish just goes on and on. A brilliant wine from a first-class Barossa vintage. Chase it down.
Drink to five years+
95/100
Region: Barossa