Words from a Wine Glass

I have no doubt, sometimes, it must be hard being a sibling in an extended family. Knowing that those before you, or even after you, have the reputation stakes all wrapped up. The Yalumba Grenache range is such that, when you pick any of the Grenache wines regardless of the price, you are, without doubt, going to get something that is pleasing to the palate and great value no matter where it sits in the ‘Yalumba Grenache Family Tree’. In saying that, for me, this one has always been a winner for the money.

Having been a buyer and drinker of this wine for a little while now, there seems to have been a bit of a shift with the style. Don’t get me wrong, I’m still a fan, it is still a good Grenache for the dollars, and I will continue to buy it.

Yalumba Wine Shop

Region: Barossa Valley, South Australia     Price: $28    Source: Sample thanks kindly to Yalumba

It is in the more ‘fruit forward’ style but with a bit more body to it this time around, seemingly edging towards the ‘Shiraz’ realm. Notwithstanding that, dark cherries, juicy blackberries and blueberries provide the fruitfulness component, a nice spiciness savouriness in there too with little or no oak or tannin influence as it finishes with a little pleasing texture. Still a good wine to consider buying if you are in the Grenache section of your local bottle shop.

I can’t say I have ever watched a movie with Dwayne Johnson in it. However, I was quite taken by something he is quoted as saying.

“Success isn’t always about greatness. It’s about consistency. Consistent hard work leads to success. Greatness will come.”

Thinking about the vintages of this Vine Vale Grenache I have tried; I think this quote is pertinent. Not that I have a great memory but it’s good enough for me to remember the consistent quality that exudes from this wine every year. It is a testament to the vineyards from where the fruit is sourced for the wine and to the winemaker, Kevin Glastonbury.

Yalumba Wine Shop

Region: Barossa Valley, South Australia     Price: $40    Source: Sample thanks kindly to Yalumba

It has delightful aromas that purvey a freshness and a juiciness alerting the palate as to what to expect prior to even the first sip. Blue fruits aplenty, red fruits providing a freshness as it sails along the palate, and it’s a little savoury too with virtually nil tannins as everything keeps hold for a good length of time. It gets a little bolder the longer it sits in the glass but it doesn’t exceed the medium-bodied spectrum. It is all about the fruit at this early stage of its life. As “The Rock” said, “Greatness will come.” Well, this is great!

I realise wine is for drinking. Let’s face it, it is a consumable. However, sometimes you can’t help but get caught up in a wine…in a good way of course, because it is so well made and incredibly balanced. With plenty of time in the glass, a wine can be so delightfully approachable that it, pleasingly, has you surrendering to its charm. I have no complaints. I have nothing but sheer gratitude for the opportunity to try this Tri-Centenary Grenache.

Yalumba Wine Shop

Region: Barossa Valley, South Australia     Price: $40    Source: Samples thanks kindly to Yalumba

Made from 133-year-old vine fruit, this is a wine of class, sophistication, and understated power. Beautiful and captivating aromatics, this was just the start of this experience for me. Blue fruits aplenty wash over the palate and fill the mouth with ease. It’s a little spicey, savoury and a little earthy too, as the complexity and interest continually had me going back to see what it would show me the next sip I took.  Svelte and long, and elegantly textural on the palate, this Grenache is without doubt, divine.

Success is something that is, mostly, not easy to come by. So, when success is reached, I wonder how often that success is built on? It must be easy to sit back and appreciate that success but, in some cases, there are those who take the opportunity to add to it.

In their 175 years of being in the wine industry, Yalumba have continued to build on their success and their wine portfolio. This Vat-11 Grenache is a testament to the Yalumba family’s view not to rest on the laurels of the other Grenaches in their range but to add another notable string to their Grenache bow.

Yalumba Wine Shop

Region: Barossa Valley, South Australia     Price: $40    Source: Samples thanks kindly to Yalumba

Oh yes! This is delicious. The signs were good from the start when I poured it in the glass. Firstly, it is a lovely colour and then the aromas lifted from the glass as fresh and bright red fruits and cherries presented along with a slight floral note. Ripe raspberries and strawberries provide a solid base on the flavour front of the just-above medium bodied palate, a slight plum character shows up while a hint of spice adds another layer and some acidity all playing their part in this wonderful brand new wine to the Yalumba Grenache line-up.