Additional information
| Weight | 1.467 kg |
|---|
2024 Clarendon Hills Blewitt Springs Old Vine Grenache
$65.00 / bottle
A single vineyard expression sourced from a Blewitt Springs site planted in 1946 and located in the famous deep sands district of the region. These classic old, goblet style, bush vines produce absolutely magnificent fruit each year due to the deep sands of the terroir that make the vines shoot their roots extremely deep and produce a extremely lifted and iconic perfume as a result. The highly mineral driven and exotic fruit on the perfume typically reveals notes of red cherry, raspberry and Turkish Delight notes while its the musk, violets, iodine and crushed rock and baking spice perfumes that elevate everything to a highly exotic, hedonistic state. The talcum like extract makes for a textured mouthfeel reserves the power and highlights tension and omnipresent waves of intensity. The 2024 release offers brilliant cherries and floral notes throughout the expression and is absolutely spectacular to enjoy.
Specifications
RegionRegion
Blewitt Springs, McLaren Vale is a sprawling hillside region 12 kms North East of McLaren Vale town centre. Famous for its deep sands and many flowing hillsides, Blewitt Springs is home to some of the oldest Old Vine Grenache plantations in the world. The Blewitt Springs Grenache Vineyard was planted circa 1945. The region enjoys added comparative elevation to its surrounding McLaren Vale districts and its abundantly flowing hillside aspects have a mineral rich subterranean, highly decayed layer of ironstone and quartz that impart a myriad of nuanced mineral notes to the wines produced. The 6 km proximity to the Great Southern Ocean and St Vincents Gulf also imparts a gift of Chardonnay like acidity to the reds which impart an infinite freshness to the wine style. The Blewitt Springs Old Vine Grenache vineyard is a single vineyard expression from an old gnarly low yielding bush vine patch of Grenache on the deepest sands section of our "Blewitt Springs Vineyard". This section has a South/SouthWest aspect and receives the cooler morning sun and complete shade in the afternoon. It is located at 230 metres above sea level.
Conditions
Wet and humid growing conditions in 2023 persisted throughout the year and continued in to the Spring time and Summer that preceded the 2024 harvest. The warm and wet conditions encouraged the Old Vine Grenache vineyards to shoot many buds and all Grenache sites were 25% heavier than usual. Slightly heavy crops were relatively behind ripening schedule in Summer but the clearing of the wet conditions in 2024 mid January lead to fantastic ripening period across late January to March. Large healthy bush vine canopies pulled the fruit in to line and their voluminous sizes protected the large berry bunches from the hot Summer heat. Hand harvesting occurred in mid March after a prolonged ripening period from veraison. The arriving fruit was exquisite with deep flavours and bountiful volumes. A rare combination of great yield and also exceptional quality. The 2024 growing season suited Grenache and the quality is evident in the collection of delicious 2024 wines.
Winemaking
Low yielding, dry grown vines from the Blewitt Springs region in McLaren Vale were hand-picked and followed by a 40% whole berry, 100% destemmeed, wild yeast fermentation. Gently pressed and returned to barrel for 18 months in only well seasoned, high end, French Oak.
Maturation
18 months, within a hierarchy of 3-9 year old tightly grained French Oak. Bottled at the winery with no fining or filtration.
Grape Variety
100% Grenache, single vine, old vines
Closure
DIAM
Production
1800 bottles
Winemaker
Roman Bratasiuk
Fragrant, in a spicy way, fruits deep red and black, tar and a rugged, ferrous rockiness, with clove, black pepper, star anise, brown cardamom, red and purple florals and soused citrus peel. It’s not unusual here, but this really needs ample air to show its best. It has less heft than the Onkaparinga, but still plenty of power and structure, plus a supple viscosity across the palate. As said, air is needed, with floral notes filtering out and a greater sense of levity. Cellar for a couple of years to begin with or decant and stand for a half a day.
95/100
Blewitt Springs Old Vine Grenache 2023
- Wine Companion, Marcus Ellis
Vibrant purple fruit with layers of blackberries, bitter chocolate, violets and raspberries on the nose. The medium-bodied palate shows refined tannins and balanced acidity that lead into a savory, herbal finish. Poised and polished. Drink or hold.
94/100
Blewitt Springs Old Vine Grenache 2023
- James Suckling, Ryan Montgomery
