Curtis Small Batch Grenache McLaren Vale 2022

The team dub this an ‘Early Release’, which seems to me to suggest it is an early and easy drinker. For me, it is much more than that. The fruit comes from 120-year-old bush vines, is destemmed and cold soaked for two weeks before a fourteen day fermentation and pressing into stainless steel. Deep crimson in colour, this is generously flavoured, with a slightly rustic note – the sort of thing some love while others find less convincing. Here, it works really well. An earthy and yet fresh style of Grenache. Dry herbs, strawberries, bay leaves, spices and coffee grinds. Lifts on the palate and we have the emergence of dark berries, red fruits and even a touch of a dusting of light mocha. So much is packed in here as well as really good length. Terrific now, but at will drink well for at least six to ten years.