Haselgrove Switch Grenache Shiraz Mourvèdre 2019

The classic Rhône blend of Grenache, Shiraz and Mourvèdre, done McLaren Vale style. The name comes from the idea that in times gone by, twigs from the Hazel tree were used to protect one from evil and also water divination. A switch is a bundle of such twigs, and here we have the bundle of grapes – I’ve heard worse justifications for a name. The grapes are from two parcels of Grenache, four of Shiraz and a single parcel of Mourvèdre, from around McLaren Vale, all contributing different aspects to the final wine. Crushed to open fermenters, hand plunged thrice daily and then fermented on skins for ten days. Pressed to oak, 10% new French, for a year. In terms of the Haselgrove GSM blends, this is a step-up. There are spicy notes, but it is the black cherries, blackberries, chocolate, cocoa powder and coffee grinds that stand out. Good acidity here, this is a seriously moreish wine with good length and fine balance.