Grenache has long been a stalwart of the South Australian wine scene and Penfolds have been blending Grenache with Shiraz since the 1950's. Recent years has seen a growing trend for the luscious perfumed styles like those emanating out of the northern Rhône and the Bin 138 produces a brilliant example. Going from strength to strength, this particular wine is quickly gathering momentum as one of the stand-out releases in the Bin series.

Powell & Son Brennecke Seppeltsfield Barossa Valley Grenache Powell & Son (first vintage 2014) is the venture of Barossa Valley legend Dave Powell and his son Callum. This Grenache comes from organically-grown vines that date back to the early 1900s on a site in the north-western corner of the Seppeltsfield sub-district of the Barossa Valley. The Brennecke vineyards dry-grown, untrellised bush vines are anchored in heavy red clay over limestone subsoils. These factors translate to excellent palate structure and a firm tannin backbone in the finished wine. The wine is multi-layered with complex flavours red fruits, cedar, spices, hints of vanilla and cinnamon. The palate typically shows a sleek tannin profile supporting a red-fruited core of cherry and cranberry. Maturation in 100% new French oak barriques also makes a contribution. This is a powerful Grenache style with an opulent feel, ripe, fruit-sweet spice and a long finish. It is concentrated but typically has an appealing underlying freshness.

This wine forms part of Clarendon Hills 'Grand Cru' classification and is the ultimate expression of Grenache for the winery. Something to keep an eye on over the next 20 years.

Seppeltsfield Great Terraced Vineyard Grenache From the storied Seppeltsfield, a crown jewel of the Barossa, comes the Great Terraced Vineyard Grenache. The 2020 vintage is a special release to mark 170 years of the estate, established in 1851. It is a drinkable tribute to the estates icon vineyard, first planted in 1855. It is a celebratory and distinguished bottling that captures the confluence of tradition and a new chapter. A single vineyard Grenache, the Great Terraced Vineyard consists of bush vine Grenache grown in soils famously rich in ironstone, quartz and slate. This iron-oomph and bracing minerality carries through to a powerful palate in a medium-bodied Barossan that is astonishingly concentrated. Raise a glass to 170 years!