Arila Gardens Sand Gardens Grenache 2020

The Clay family purchased what would become Arila Gardens in 2018 and in a very short, Covid-interrupted, period have established an enviable reputation for some truly exceptional reds. They have done so by, for wont of a better way to put it, sticking to the region’s knitting. Varietal Grenache and Shiraz, blends of GSM, using old vines and traditional methods. It is what has made the region famous and if it ain’t broke…

Love this varietal Grenache. At the moment, there is serious competition in both the Barossa and McLaren Vale – and a few other regions as well – for old vine, quality Grenache. These guys have firmly established themselves as part of the conversation. From vines planted in the Moppa subregion in 1900, this is a cracker. Bright red/crimson in colour, the aroma is an enticing mix of raspberry notes, bergamot, spices and root vegetables. Already complex, even at this early stage, dry herbs emerge on the palate. Seamless, focused, balanced and with excellent length through to silky, if ever so slightly sandy tannins, this is a joy now and has at least a decade ahead of it. Love it.