Reviews:
98+ Points - Colin Hay, The Drinks Business
98 Points - Andrew Caillard MW
98 Points - Jeni Port, Winepilot
98 Points - Dave Brookes, Halliday Wine Companion
98 Points - Nick Ryan, The Australian
Vintage Conditions
South Australia experienced its second successive winter marked by drought, with the Barossa Valley recording its driest year on record and the Clare Valley experiencing its driest winter in over a century. These arid conditions persisted into spring, leading to delayed flowering and fruit set, underscoring irrigation's crucial role due to below-average root zone moisture levels. Both the Clare Valley and Barossa Valley regions were touched by September frosts, though losses were alleviated through frost fans. Summer commenced with an intense heatwave across the state, resulting in 26 days above 35°C in the Barossa Valley alone. However, a reprieve came with cooler weather in January and February. McLaren Vale was more fortunate, benefiting from higher-than-average rainfall in February which bolstered vine health for the rest of the growing season. Lower bunch weights and berry counts were recorded across all regions leading to significantly reduced yields. However, these testing conditions often culminate in exceptional quality fruit. Indeed, 2020 saw some remarkable Shiraz crops that have contributed to an opulent expression of Grange.
Drinking Window: 2024-2059
Grape Variety
97% Shiraz, 3% Cabernet Sauvignon
Vineyard Region
McLaren Vale, Barossa Valley, Clare Valley
Wine Analysis
Alc/Vol: 14.5%, pH: 3.6, Acidity: 7.0g/L
Maturation
20 months in American oak hogsheads (100% new)
Producer Tasting Notes
COLOUR
Dense and impenetrable â deep red to the rim.
NOSE
An instant proclamation of identity â formics and barrel-ferment notes propelling Shiraz spoils.
Whilst these Shiraz markers highlight heady elutions of aniseed/liquorice/wintergreen/fennel, primal aromatics of squashed damson
plum do prevail.
And beneath, wafts of pan scrapings/pan juices support all that is entwined above.
100% new oak is all but totally absorbed, yet it does conspire to complex, weave and intrigue. In this aromatic tussle, fruit remains the
champion.
Not unlike âChampagne characterâ, âGrange characterâ aromatically âjust isâ. Immediately understood, immediately recognised.
PALATE
The first sip seduces, the second remindsâŚ
Up front red fruits and maraschino cherry flavours quickly transition to the âNoir-ishâ â Black Forest cake, blackberry, black cherry,
black âŚ
Sitting softens. A Christmas pudding mix of soaked fruits and rind offers a friendly hand.
Similarly talc-like/velvety tannins are non-aggressive, politely acting as a conveyance. They almost appear coupled with cocoa/dark
chocolate dust.
Texturally woven, with all components well integrated and absorbed⌠inducing a sensory perception of roundness, of a lush film
coated across the palate.
Again, oak (sandalwood nuances, not cedar) sensitively stands to one side â its supporting role well scripted.
Assured and distinctive, this Grange will appease and reward.
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