The best of three Faux Pas releases to date. I like what Andrew Ramsey, Vanessa Robson and Liam Van Pelt are working towards with this label. Three youngsters to keep a close eye on. This Grenache looked good when I tasted it in barrel earlier in the year and it’s come up smart in the bottle too. 20% whole bunches, extremely minimal oak interference. Sits firmly in the ‘warm climate Pinot Noir’ style of the variety and that’s a good place to be.
Only just medium-bodied and it revels in that fact. A wine made for drinking. Not just one glass either. Has the expected sweet red berry/cherry flavours but also a good balance of savoury earth, iron and dried herbs. A little spice. Maybe a touch of tea leaf too. No overt warmth. Silky smooth with soft, smudgy tannin. Feels great in the mouth. Length isn’t super-impressive but there’s enough. I hovered around the 89 and 90 point mark before opting for the latter as I poured another glass. 9o
Region: McLaren Vale
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Price: $33
Tasted: October 2013