Brad Hickey and Nicole Thorpe – the partnership behind Brash Higgins - are part of a wave of producers making McLaren Vale sexy again. It’s great to see the revitalisation of the region. This blend of 70% Grenache and 30% Mataro comes from two different vineyards with the grapes co-fermented using wild yeast. It spends eight months in old French hogsheads. I was actually at a long table dinner with Brad last night where he remarked in relation to this wine, “I find Grenache a little sweet by itself”. And many examples do lean that way.
Boisterous and enthusiastic but not over-bearing. Jubey fruit flavour – raspberry on top but no redskins thankfully. Terry’s chocolate orange and pepper. Hints of roasted fennel and earth with floral notes as well. It’s fleet of foot through its line and has those lovely grape-skin textured tannins which I associate with many of the Brash Higgins wines. It’s both pretty and tasty…and a whole lot of fun to drink. 92 Very Good
Region: McLaren Vale
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Price: $37
Tasted: May 2013