E. J. McDougall Old Vine Grenache 2023

From vines planted in 1939 in the hills of the heralded Blewitt Springs subregion. Free draining sandy gravel over clay at the top end of the hill meaning good ocean influence. The fruit was de-stemmed with selected stems then put back in for fermentation in concrete vats. Following a 10 to 15 day ferment and cold soak, it was basket pressed back to seasoned French puncheons for 12 months elevage. 14.5% ABV. Wild raspberry, strawberry compote, dark cherry and asian spice make way for warm sand and clay earth first off.  Air unlocks some heady ripe red rose and there’s a mineral lift through its centre adding intrigue. Interesting texture here, with a slightly granular creamy milk chocolate feel. Ripe plum, raspberry coulis, red rose and warm sand glide through the mouth before an assertive stack of grainy tannins constrict around the fruit adding a mocha bitterness. Long tannins here, and when they finally subside there’s a persistent undercurrent of cooling acidity elongating the finish. A finely crafted and site-expressive Grenache.