Di Fabio Mclaren Vale Grenache 2008
The old, bush-vine Grenache vineyards of McLaren Vale and the Barossa are the unsung heroes of Australian wine. This spicy, raspberry-accented gem is a stunner.
Region:
McLaren Vale, South Australia
Drink Until:
31/12/2011
Varieties:
Grenache
Foods:
Steak and mushrooms with mustard butter.
Oak:
Second-use American oak.
Colour:
Ruby red with hints of purple.
Nose:
A great hit of berry spice, lovely clove and plum aromas with some charry, toasted cedary oak.
Palate:
Light bodied yet richly flavoured wine with berry fruit and stewed plum characters with easy to enjoy spicy flavours. Fine firm tannins add further structure.
Background:
This particular wine hails from Goe (pronounced 'Joe') Di Fabio's more elevated vineyard (200 meters above sea level, McLaren Vale is just 50) in Blewitt Springs near Kangarilla, planted to Shiraz and Grenache. The Shiraz vines were planted in the early 1940s, the Grenache in 1950. The age of these vines gives the wines an intensity of flavour and depth of character that you just don't get with wines made from young vines. Goe was Geoff Merrill's chief winemaker till the year 2000 though he has remained as the companys consultant winemaker, mainly during vintage. He also consults overseas as well and brings years of experience to this, his first own named label.
Alcohol:
15.5%
Awards: