Barossa Valley
100 % Grenache
14.6% Alc
Winter 2021 was recorded as the wettest in 25 years for Northern Barossa, setting up the vines well for the growing season. Other than one welcomed rain event on 1 March, the summer was dry. The cool conditions allowed for the steady ripening of fruit to its optimum flavour, colour, and tannin development. Wines of the 2022 vintage are characterised by having lovely natural balance, brightness of fruit, perfume, and long fine structural palates.
Handpicked 23 March 2022
Cold soak for 48 hours
Small percentage of whole bunch at the base of fermenter, remainder whole berries
Fermented in a small, open-top fermenter for 12 days
Gentle pump-overs and hand plunging
No acid added
14-months maturation in seasoned French oak hogsheads with light yeast lees
Occasional stirring to build and soften texture
Unfined and filtered prior to bottling
Bottled in June 2023, only 380 9LE cases were produced
Black fruits fill the mouth with expansive length. Nuances of flavour emerge, with chocolate malt supporting the generous fruit. A nerve of bright natural acidity heightens and drives the palate, complemented by finely knit, powdery tannins.
96 Points – Steve Leszczynski, QWine Reviews
96 Points – Sam Kim, Wine Orbit
95 Points – Ken Gargett, Wine Pilot
Arila Gardens Sand Garden Grenache 2022
Arila Gardens is a boutique family-owned winery in the Moppa subregion of Barossa Valley, South Australia. Established in 2018 by Adam and Marie Clay, the 20-acre estate includes vines dating back to 1900. Their wines are exclusively estate-grown and crafted with care, showcasing the unique terroir of Moppa through small parcels known as “gardens,” each named after its soil type—Sand, Quartz, and Ironstone.
The winery was born from Adam and Marie Clay’s long-standing dream, dating back to their oenology studies at the University of Adelaide. With over 40 years of combined experience and exposure to top wine regions worldwide, they acquired the Moppa property in 2018. The site includes a historic 1870s ironstone cottage and old vines. The name “Arila” honors the Aboriginal word for “sand, land, and earth,” a tribute to both the soil and cultural roots.
Arila Gardens aims to create expressive, elegant wines that reflect the personality of each vineyard block. With a focus on minimal intervention, dry-grown vines, and meticulous parcel selection, they craft small-batch wines that capture the nuance of variety, soil, and climate. The Clays emphasize sustainability and treat their vineyards like gardens—nurtured with precision and pride.
Adam Clay brings deep experience from Penfolds and international vintages in France, Italy, Spain, and the U.S. Alongside Marie, he combines technical expertise with a personal, intuitive approach to winemaking. Judging wine shows and tasting Australia’s best sharpened his vision. At Arila Gardens, Adam fulfills a lifelong ambition: making world-class wines rooted in family, tradition, and the soils of Moppa.
Barossa Wine Show 2024 : Best Shiraz Trophy / Best Single Vineyard Wine / Best Red Wine / Best 2022 Shiraz / Best Barossa Wine / Best Viticulturist / Best Wine of Show