Barossa 14.5% Screwcap $20 Source: Sample
A Grenache sourced from 81 year old vines planted in the Steingarten Vineyard near the border of the Eden Valley – and made by Marco Cirillo. All for $20. Sound interesting? Does to me. This doesn’t quite scale the dizzying heights of the Cirillo 1850 Old Vine Grenaches but it’s still damn impressive. And it’s not really a totally appropriate comparison anyway. This wine reflects its vineyard, and with minimal to no real oak influence, it’s a very pure expression of site.
There’s some pretty perfume on the nose here, but not at the expense of earthen qualities. Rose petals, red dirt, raspberry and dark chocolate liquorice bullets dominate. It’s soft, silky and structured by gentle but important acidity. Notes of tar and orange peel join some good spice on a finish of excellent penetration and length. A genial rasp of tannin leaves a refreshingly dry finish, just begging you to take another sip.
I showed this to a friend yesterday and she immediately asked where she could buy it. I doubt she’ll be the only person asking that question. Shoot an email to the address below as there is no website as yet. Hopefully it will be on retail shelves soon. Should convince a few more punters to give an extremely impressive grape a chance.
Email winery- marcocirillo@adam.com.au
Stood out proudly for it's style and weight at the Grenache hashtag fest yesterday. Amazing wine for $20.