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