Richard Hamilton Burton’s Vineyard Old Vine Grenache 2022

The fruit here was destemmed to avoid any hints of that stalky character – loved by some, detested by others (I tend to fall in with the latter, although a small percentage can add complexity) – the grapes went into a small fermenter, a percentage of whole berries. Then to four year old vats and five to six year old hogsheads for seven months. A gentle crimson colour, we have punchy aromatics with spices, warm earth, tobacco leaves, red cherries/raspberries and more. A supple palate, very fine silky tannins and excellent balance. Impressive length and a lovely soft finish too. A very attractive style which should offer pleasure for at least the next five to six years. Anyone not enjoying the brilliant Grenache we are seeing from regions such as McLaren Vale is simply doing themselves a disservice.