SPECIAL VALUE - From three growers in Blewitt Springs (58%) and the oldest vines on the Smart Vineyard in Clarendon (42%); some parcels destemmed, the others all whole bunch, with up to five weeks on skins; maturation in old French oak and concrete eggs for seven months. This is so composed and poised at this early stage – fragrant, refined yet expressive. Dried cranberry, rose, bergamot, carraway, raspberry leaf tea and pomegranate, with savoury dried herbs, warm spice and a ferrous note complexing. The balance between fruit sweetness and tannic drive is pitched keenly. It’s the very picture of modern Vale grenache. (95) MARCUS ELLIS, Halliday Wine Companion
Ministry of Clouds Grenache 2023SPECIAL VALUE - From three growers in Blewitt Springs (58%) and the oldest vines on the Smart Vineyard in Clarendon (42%); some parcels destemmed, the others all whole bunch, with up to five weeks on skins; maturation in old French oak and concrete eggs for seven months. This is so composed and poised at this early stage – fragrant, refined yet expressive. Dried cranberry, rose, bergamot, carraway, raspberry leaf tea and pomegranate, with savoury dried herbs, warm spice and a ferrous note complexing. The balance between fruit sweetness and tannic drive is pitched keenly. It’s the very picture of modern Vale grenache. (95) MARCUS ELLIS, Halliday Wine Companion2023GrenacheAustralia436$52.00 As low as $46.80