WORLDS APART WINES Blewitt Springs Grown on Sands Made With Whole Bunches Grenache, McLaren Vale

BODEGAS Y VINEDOS ARTAZU Pasos de San Martin Grenache, Navarra

Bruno & George Old Vine Grenache, Barossa Valley Grenache is arguably the most exciting grape variety on Australian shores of late and indisputably the cultivar that bodes best for an increasingly challenged climate. Responsible for a number of stylistic interpretations, Australian Grenache has traditionally been round, generous and fruity, with an emphasis on wild strawberry, kirsch and Turkish Delight aromas. Bruno & Georges Joh Norman and his deep understanding of Spanish iterations of the variety, however, delivers a far more savoury experience that challenges the worlds best. Think riffs on wild strawberry, thyme, lavender and a weave of spindly tannins, firm and edgy, that serve as a legacy of vast international experience and the sort of confident extraction that comes with it.

After almost three decades of shared experience in the wine industry, Bernice Ong and Julian Forwood decided to have a crack at their own venture sourcing fruit mainly from high quality vineyards in McLaren Vale to produce wines under their Ministry of Clouds label. This stellar example of Grenache is comprised 8 different Grenache ferments with varying amounts of whole bunch ranging from a couple of whole berry ferments to the highest being 28% whole bunch, skin time varying between 3 to 6 weeks. The 8 ferments are off four vineyards - three of which all neighbour each other in Blewitt Springs. One planted in 1930, another in 1939 and the last is believed to be planted in 1940s. These 3 vineyards make up 82% of the blend. The last component is from the oldest part of the Smart vineyard in Clarendon planted in 1920. Maturation took place in large old oak for 6 months. A Grenache of phenomenal intensity and power. Vibrant dark red coloured core with black shaded edges and a light purple red hue. Wafting from the glass with a perfumed like intensity are intoxicating aromas of dark raspberries, ripe cherries and red liquorice that are infused with an intriguing mix of fresh herbs and rose petals. Subtle vanillin earth and spice notes are also evident. Carrying only light to medium body, the palate has a power without weight quality, juicy dark raspberry, red liquorice and red cherry fruits unfolding like a never ending peacocks tail to deliver superb depth. Magnificent purity of fruit and with its concentration on another level. Lingering underneath are some vanillin confectionary, earth and subtle spicy pepper characters. Fresh acidity and a sturdy matrix of tannins provide a fine boned structure. Concludes with an explosively long, succulently fruited finish. Drink over the next 6-8 years. Alc. 14.7%

The quality of fruit and winemaking speaks volumes as to how this wine has turned out. The nose is abundant with red and blue fruits also seen on the palate, which is juicy, full bodied and underpinned by fine tannins. Further breathing reveals more layers of flavour and complexity after the initial tranche of bright fruits. A superb example of this most versatile of varietals