E. J. McDougall Old Vine Grenache 2023
- 95
- $68
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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.
Tom Kline is a wine writer, reviewer, presenter, and educator based in Victoria, Australia. He is the Australian correspondent for the internationally respected publications Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy and Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux, where he highlights the top tier of Australian wine for a global audience. Tom also writes for leading outlets including Decanter (UK), Wine Spectator (US), and Halliday Magazine, among others. An experienced wine show judge and WSET educator, he has authored several consumer-focused wine courses aimed at making wine more accessible and engaging. In 2023, Tom was awarded Best Published Feature Article or Wine Column at the prestigious Wine Communicator Awards, presented by Wine Communicators of Australia.
