From Lacey Vineyard and the first release of this wine for In Praise of Shadows, these vines were grafted to Grenache Blanc in 2023 using cuttings from Yangarra Estate. Handpicked and barrel fermented, half the barrels received weekly bâtonnage while the balance was left quietly resting for eight months.
Honeyed tones and white-fleshed stone fruit make a confident introduction, followed by golden apple, canned pear, lemon juice and a flash of underripe green apple. There’s genuine tension here, with the acidity seizing up on the finish providing a brisk, mouthwatering close. Barrel fermentation contributes a fine sheet of white chocolate creaminess.
There’s plenty of potential, although the mid-palate washes through a little thin before the acidity takes control. Best with food, I suggest, but an intriguing wine to watch. I’ll be a curious observer as this vineyard’s Grenache Blanc matures and finds its feet.
89/100
Region: McLaren Vale