Château Tanunda 150 Year Old Vines Barossa 2018

In Australian viticultural terms, 150-year-old vines are nobly designated, ‘ancestors.’ We don’t have a lot of vinous ‘ancestors’ to celebrate in this country, especially when it comes to Grenache, Mourvèdre and Malbec. So, this is indeed a celebration of what these three classic grapes can bring to a wine as they move into that much celebrated ‘senior’ state. For want of a better word, they bring a presence. Having lived a long and productive life they have little to prove, rather they bring a set of individual characters which blend seamlessly once combined. Grenache brings a gentle plumminess, black fruits, licorice/aniseed intensity and pepper. Mourvèdre, the spicy one, shows its fennel and sage side, earthy notes, oregano and bramble. Malbec has some charming florals, black cherry and cinnamon. Generous time in French oak (24 months) ties this rich parcel together nicely.