Swinney Farvie Grenache 2023
- 98
- $150
- Drink by: 2025-2035
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This is the flagship Grenache for the Estate. From their Wilson’s Pool Vineyard, there are 30% whole bunches included in the fermentation. The wine spends ten months in larger format, older oak. Another stellar release, any discussion of Australia’s greatest Grenache must include Swinney’s Farvie and this latest release is one of the best. As good as the standard is, and it is really good, this is a step up. Deep Crimson in colour, the nose exhibits a pleasing spiciness with floral notes, endless cherries and a touch of iron filings. There is an intriguing richness on the palate with amazing length, balance and persistence. A fine line of juicy acidity runs the length. Any examination of the oak is almost pointless, as the integration is utterly seamless. Notes of tapenade, aniseed and raspberries are all evident as we progress. The tannins are that classic mix of slightly silky and silty. Great length and world class Grenache, for drinking over the next ten years.
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.
