D’Arenberg The Blewett Springs Grenache 2016
- 97
- $80
- Drink by: 2026-2038
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The vineyard sources for this district are dry grown with old bush vines. The vineyards sit some 200 metres above sea level and are in the coolest part of McLaren Vale (everything is relative, of course). The soil here is old Maslin sands, 30 to 36 million years in age. Dark magenta, on the nose we have notes of cold tea, aniseed, wild raspberries, mushrooms, black cherries, dried herbs, plums, leather, aniseed, tobacco leaves and charcuterie. That tiny touch of blueberries, surely a regional characteristic, is present again. A wonderful mature Grenache, though one which still has many years ahead of it. The balance is immaculate and the length is so impressive. Seductively textured, the wine finishes with the silkiest of tannins. There is a touch of savouriness throughout, and we already have good complexity in evidence. Enjoy this over the next dozen years.
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.
