John Duval Concilio Grenache 2021

The Concilio range from John Duval, and son Tim, offer amazing value for cracking Barossa reds, drinkable at earlier stages than some of their more elite wines. Grenache is, as has been stated a number of times, the flavour of the month and the Duvals were keen to move from “the sweet, confectioned expressions of Barossa Grenache prevalent in the 1990’s, to wines that display more vibrancy, texture and savouriness”, and to provide a wine that works well with food. This third release actually has 15% Shiraz (any more and it needs to be noted on the label) from an old vineyard in the Northern Barossa. The Grenache comes from a ‘survivor bush vine block’, south of Tanunda. Fermentation for the Grenache was in small open top fermenters for 8 days with 25% whole bunches.

The Shiraz was on skins for 7 days with twice daily pumpovers with a small percentage of whole bunches included. The Grenache spent 8 months maturing in tanks (50%) and seasoned French hogsheads (50%), while the Shiraz spent the 8 months in seasoned French oak. The wine is delightfully approachable at this early stage. Soft, supple and bright with such silky tannins, this is simply too easy to drink, though will reward at any stage over the next four to six years. Notes of cherries, florals and raspberries. Lovely drinking and should score even higher in a few years. If you have not yet joined the Grenache bandwagon, this is your chance.