Tim Adams The Fergus 2017

A Clare Valley blend of Grenache, Tempranillo and Malbec, not the most common of combinations. Seriously good value for $25 – considering that this is the same vintage as the current Grange. Not often we get wines of this age for this price. The 24th release of the Fergus, named after a neighbour who sold the team Grenache back in 1993.

Old vine Grenache is crushed onto the fermented and drained skins of Tempranillo. Fermentation is for a week, before the tanks were topped and closed for another week for extended maceration. Pressed and then further Tempranillo and Malbec added. The wine then went into old French oak hogsheads for 24 months. The final blend is 34% Grenache, 33% Tempranillo and 33% Malbec. The wine is a bruised plum colour. An alluring nose of red fruits, florals and perfumes. Blueberries, raspberries, chocolate and cherries. Lovely and plush, ripe and generous. Very soft tannins with a finish that lingers for a surprisingly long time. Utterly delicious now and over the next 4 to 5 years. A wine offering pure drinking pleasure.