Robert Oatley Finisterre McLaren Vale Grenache 2022

We have seen how brilliant the 2022 whites are from so many South Aussie wine regions. Now we are getting a chance to visit the early ’22 reds and, with wines like this, the expectations will be very high indeed. The fruit for this delicious Grenache comes from the Loulakis Vineyard in the prized McLaren Vale sub-region of Blewitt Springs. The vines, which average around 80 years of age, are spur pruned bush vines. The fermentation is over ten to twelve days and takes place on skins, before maturation in large format oak, several years old, for five months. Obviously, the aim is to minimise any oak influence. A lovely purple/crimson colour here. The nose is full of spices and dry herbs with cherries, raspberries, cranberries, warm earth notes, animal hides and coffee grinds. Seamless in structure with the silkiest of tannins for Grenache. With juicy acidity and a lingering finish, this is a superb Grenache, ideal for early drinking or lock it away and enjoy over the next six to eight years.