Sourced from 95 year-old vines in the McLaren Flat area. The inaugural 2010 release of the Absconder impressed but this takes Vale Grenache to another level. Headily perfumed as was its predecessor but the intensity within a more or less medium-bodied framework is a joy to behold.
Sits between silk and velvet in terms of texture with assertive, fine and silty tannin. It smells floral with red and dark cherry/berry notes, turned earth and a hint of Turkish delight. Balances deep, amalgamated fruit flavour and plummy flesh with the savouriness that I wish we saw more often in the is variety. Dusty herbs on the back-palate. It’s persistence cannot be questioned. 94+
Region: McLaren Vale
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Price: $70
Tasted: October 2013