I don’t know how many parents expect much from their new born child in the first year of its life. Yes, putting on some weight, reacting to its environment, stimulated by sounds and certainly getting attention. 

I’m going to go out on a limb here and say that I think the proud parents of this baby of a Grenache needed to keep friends and family in suspense for another year before showing it to the world.

The colourful introduction gives an indication of what to expect.  It’s a lovely dark cherry skin colour and sits in the glass with a nice sheen to it.  It has pleasant perfume, almost floral like yet bright raspberry, cherry and spicy characters shine through.  Everything is singing out for attention on the medium bodied ‘plus’ palate (unexpected for a Grenache).  Plenty of spiciness, really good bunches of fresh, ripe red fruit and, as strange as it sounds, fat juiciness (sorry, don’t know how else to describe it).  Oak is gentle, tannins tamed and it certainly has a finish that give you something to think about.  While it is quite delicious I sense it’s still crawling so, give it time to get on its feet.

Region: Blewitt Springs, McLaren Vale, SA     Price: $48     Source: Sample thanks kindly to Clandestine Vineyards and Savvy Comms