Bethany First Village Barossa Valley Grenache 2023
- 93
- $32
- Drink by: 2025-2033
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Long gone are the days when the mere mention of Grenache on a label was toxic to winelovers. Today, Grenache, especially old vine Barossa Grenache, is very much flavour of the month and deservedly so. The final blend here had 15% whole bunches, before maturation. This is seriously good value. A deep red hue with bright crimson edges, this is an attractive earthy style, full of red fruit notes, bay leaves, raspberries, cherries and dried herbs. The structure is impressive with a supple texture, good balance, sleek tannins and plenty of length. This is a finer style of Grenache than many, and will drink beautifully over the next six to eight years. Like it a lot. Much as the 2022 impressed, this might just be a step up.
Ken was born and bred in Brisbane, Queensland. He had a non-trendy, perfectly happy childhood, in a family convinced alcohol meant instant condemnation to Hades. But a break fishing on the Great Barrier Reef, and some good wine, started a serious obsession that eventually took over. It did not stop Ken being chastised later for drinking Pol champagne, disgusted he’d drink anything made by a Cambodian dictator. Now, Ken mostly writes on wine, champagne and spirits for various newspapers, magazines and books, but is perhaps best known for his work in The Courier Mail. He also has a little sideline writing on cigars, fishing, travel and food. When not writing, fly-fishing for trout in NZ or bonefish on the flats of Cuba, travelling or smoking cigars, he is no doubt following a variety of sporting teams – the occasionally glorious Queensland Reds rugby, the dysfunctional Washington Redskins, the dodgy Arsenal and especially revels in the world restored to its proper axis with the return of the Ashes to their rightful home.
