Château Tanunda 150 Year Old Vines 1858 Field Blend 2018

This is a fascinating wine. The vineyard was planted in 1858 (so considerably older than the mere 150 years noted). The vineyard, a small block in Springton in the Eden Valley, offers what is termed a ‘field blend’, a mix of varieties. Hence, this is a blend of Grenache, Mourvèdre and Malbec. The yield is just over one ton for the entire vineyard, in good years – and 2018 is nothing if not a very good year. Two years maturation in top-notch French oak. At this age, the vines are known as Ancestor vines. Deep maroon hue, the nose is fleshy with mulberries, leather, roast meats and root vegetable notes. Plenty of oak is still evident here, though it is on the path to full integration. Warm earth, tobacco leaves and cigar box characters. Ripe, plush and balanced, there is already complexity evident. With fine tannins and great length, this should continue to offer pleasure for at least the next ten to fifteen years.