James Kalleske Cyme Barossa Valley Centenarian Vine Grenache 2021

More fabulous Grenache goodness from the Kalleske team, led by James Kalleske. James grew up in the Barossa and has experience there as well as with a number of the very best producers in Margaret River and has even made wine in Bali – not something one regularly finds on a CV. This wine, from wonderful old vines planted in the very early years of the last century, was made from handpicked grapes. 20% whole bunch fermentation with nine days on skins and then a year in French oak. Only 800 bottles were made so do what you can to track one down. Attractive garnet colour, the nose opens with warm earth, raspberries, bay leaves, spices and a hint of animal skins. Supple and seamless on the palate, notes of chocolate and cherry emerge there. Very silky tannins which just melt and impressive length here. Nicely balanced, delicious and absolutely slurpable (my spellcheck assures me that this is not a word, but one sip of this wine and you’ll agree it should be). Drink now for five to six years.