D’Arenberg The Blewett Springs Grenache 2016

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.