Glaetzer Wines Wallace Shiraz Grenache 2021

The two Barossa amigos – Shiraz and Grenache – give a display of upfront persuasive Barossa power minus their usual friendly third amigo, Mourvèdre. Can’t say I miss Mourvèdre. Maybe it’s the quality of the old vine Shiraz – off 50-80-year-old-vines – and even older vine Grenache – 50-100 years. Maybe it’s the decision to minimise Grenache’s time in oak which allows its sweet spice and red fruited liveliness to shine. Whatever the reason, the two hit it off beautifully with a warm, welcoming display in aromas of blackstrap licorice, blackberry, raspberry, earth and background leather. Good intensity of sweet, ripe fruit to taste with floral notes and lifted red berries, plums and spice with added texture that leads the wine into some mighty friendly drinking territory. Generous to start, it firms up nicely courtesy of an established tannin presence.