Cirillo Estate 1850 Ancestor Vine Grenache 2013

Marco Cirillo is the proud custodian for one of the oldest Grenache vineyards in the world, located in the Light Pass district of the Barossa Valley. Marco is obsessive about the care of his vineyard, and handles all the management of his vines, personally. His 1850 Grenache has been in production for over a decade and has evolved over the years with the 2013 release one of the best yet.

It is a bright medium cherry colour and immediately open for business, and expressive – unusually so for this label. There is sweet red raspberry, mocha, spice and earthy fruit aromas with superb purity. The fruit is powerful and focussed but also understated. On the palate the wine is dry and mid-weight, as well as beautifully youthful and supple, perfumed even, despite its seven years of age. Red fruits quickly give way to haunting floral, earth, meat and spice, with superb balance and a silky texture. Tannins are ripe and well integrated driving exceptional length ensuring this delicious wine will age well and improve further in the bottle.

Angus Hughson

Founder at Winepilot

Angus is an award-winning wine writer and the Founder and Publisher of Winepilot, the Australian Editor for leading international publication VINOUS with Antonio Galloni based in New York City and the Co-Publisher of The Australian Ark with over 15 years of publishing, writing and judging experience.

Critic and publisher