Purple Hands Old Vine Grenache 2020

Purple Hands is often home to bigger Barossa styles – wines that are notable for their sheer power. This grenache, though, was an unexpected delight, with delicious subtlety and balance – whole bunches playing a significant role. The vineyard age does not hurt either, with vines planted back in 1890, 1961 and 1971. It’s shy to begin – raspberry, meaty and spicy notes that draw you in before a palate that is bright and juicy. Now the red and black fruits are fleshier lifted by charcuterie complexity. That said, it still feels a little tight and closed, and probably needs another three or four years to show its best. The wine then finishes long and silky with some liquorice and meaty notes coming through right on the finish. Tannins are quite subtle too but there are certainly enough to help it drink beautifully over the medium term. Super value for a $30 grenache.

Angus Hughson

Founder at Winepilot

Angus is an award-winning wine writer and the Founder and Publisher of Winepilot, the Australian Editor for leading international publication VINOUS with Antonio Galloni based in New York City and the Co-Publisher of The Australian Ark with over 15 years of publishing, writing and judging experience.

Criticauthor and publisher