Lienert Vineyards Sieben Klon Grenache 2021

Sieben Klon. Does that not sound like a Star Wars villain? Fear not, it is simply German for ‘seven clones’. So it comes as a small surprise to discover that in fact the Grenache has eight clones (the ‘Sieben Klon’ Shiraz has seven). From a vineyard in the western Barossa, with red loam over limestone soils, each of the clones contribute something a little bit different, adding to the overall complexity and interest of the wine. One gives backbone, another rich dark fruits, yet another fine tannins and complexity, then elegance, and yet another with vibrancy and another providing savouriness. And so it goes. Each clone is usually fermented separately to preserve the unique characters it offers and to ensure it works in the final blend (very hard, of course, to unblend a wine). Bright maroon in colour, we have aromas of spices, florals, cherries, raspberries, dry herbs, bay leaves and even a touch of bergamot. Seamless on the palate, mouthfilling, and with cashmere-like tannins. Mid-weight in style, very good length and utterly delicious. It will age well for 5-8 years.

Ken Gargett

Contributor at Winepilot

Ken was born and bred in Brisbane, Queensland. He had a non-trendy, perfectly happy childhood, in a family convinced alcohol meant instant condemnation to Hades. But a break fishing on the Great Barrier Reef, and some good wine, started a serious obsession that eventually took over. It did not stop Ken being chastised later for drinking Pol champagne, disgusted he’d drink anything made by a Cambodian dictator. Now, Ken mostly writes on wine, champagne and spirits for various newspapers, magazines and books, but is perhaps best known for his work in The Courier Mail. He also has a little sideline writing on cigars, fishing, travel and food. When not writing, fly-fishing for trout in NZ or bonefish on the flats of Cuba, travelling or smoking cigars, he is no doubt following a variety of sporting teams – the occasionally glorious Queensland Reds rugby, the dysfunctional Washington Redskins, the dodgy Arsenal and especially revels in the world restored to its proper axis with the return of the Ashes to their rightful home.

Wine writer and critic