Ulithorne ‘Chi’ Blewitt Springs Shiraz Grenache 2019

A blend of 75% Shiraz and 25% Grenache, sourced from a single vineyard in the highly regarded Blewitt Springs sub-region of McLaren Vale, where the soil is ‘sand over clay’. Small open fermenters are used for a slow and cool fermentation. Hand
plunging takes place twice a day, before a gentle pressing to barrel. Two discrete batches of Shiraz and one of Grenache are used here and they are kept separate till the final blending. The wine is then aged in older French oak for 14 months.

Deep maroon in colour, there is a lovely creamy note on the nose, a little like a black cherry and coffee bean milkshake – yes, probably no such thing and it sounds horrible, but in my mind, I am thinking it would be delicious. Also some root vegetable notes, some cigar box touches and dark fruits. Supple texture through to a finish with abundant tannins, which are soft and silky. Look closely and amongst the tannins is a slight sandy note, which presumably comes from the Grenache component. Very good length here. This is balanced, long and offers some complexity. Love it.