Hentley Farm The Old Legend Grenache 2019

A jewel in the glass, a bright and enticingly gorgeous ruby, with a nose resplendent of the red berried fruits of Barossa Valley grenache: redcurrants, raspberries and cranberries, and a little dusty stalkiness with exotic spice and hints of orange peel. On the palate there is much to love: the fruit is plush and ripe, has power in spades but is in balance and so silky. More red berries with milk chocolate richness, and tannins like closing the door on a velvet armoire. Lovely true grenache. Eat with duck confit and cherry compote, if you dare.

Review by Melissa Moore

Matt Dunne
93 Points

Grenache with personality! With some extended maceration for 45 days and 35% whole bunch, this wine has solid framework, approachable now but built for the long-haul. The fruit is from three parcels of individually treated grenache. Super floral with dried rose petals and lavender. Palate is medium weight with milk chocolate, wild plum, kirsh and some spicy oak toastiness. Terrific wine with a bright future!

Angus Hughson
94 Points
Drink 2024 – 2032

Grenache can start out a little shy when young and this is a good case in point. On Day 1 it was very shy – with its brooding black cherry, earth and spicy fruits reserved and subtle. But slowly the bottled sunshine of Barossa Grenache started to emerge with generous red cherry and baked earth fruits in a rich and deeply flavoured style. There is also tannins and plenty of them making this a riper style of Grenache but one that also has the composure to improve over time. Give it five years before matching with flame-grilled ribeye.