Basileus Barossa Valley Grenache 2020

Apparently Basileus is Greek for Kings, or so it was once. And of course, the Barossa is the King of Australian wine regions (if one wished to be difficult, one could wonder where that leaves the Clare Valley and their Riesling, under this label, but perhaps we’ll move past that). The fruit went into small open fermenters before maturation in older French oak puncheons. The colour of this wine is crimson/garnet. The nose gives us notes of spices, strawberries, herbs, red fruits, some earthy notes and leather. This is a slightly fleshy style, which is very much from the savoury style which the region can offer. Good balance, a lingering finish and an intriguing combination of silky and sandy tannins. Enjoy this now and for the next four to six years.