From 88 year-old vines. Maturation took place in French hogsheads for 15 months. An awkward and somewhat mawkish wine from the troubled 2011 vintage.
Tomato-like acidity juts out and too much oak smothers the fruit and supresses the floral charm Grenache can offer. Cloves and pepper, resin, sweet raspberry and dark cherry with a medicinal edge. Light, smudgy tannin. Splays languidly on the palate. 85 Average
Region: McLaren Vale
Alcohol: 14.0%
Closure: Screwcap
Price: $22
Tasted: May 2013