Yalumba The Tri-Centenary Grenache Ancestor Vines 2022

One of this country’s most famous and finest Grenache continues its stellar form with this latest release. Stonkingly good. The fruit comes from less than a hectare of bush vines, planted back in 1889 – just 820 vines, if one wants to be specific. The wine then spends the best part of a year, post-ferment, on skins. Pale crimson, there is that typical Grenache/Yalumba strawberries and cream character. Florals, cherries, milk chocolate, spices and mixed red fruits, this is softly and seductively textured, finely balanced, seamless, with fine tannins and a lingering finish. The palate sees more spicy notes emerge and even a flick of white pepper. There are already early signs of the complexity to come although the wine has eight to twelve years ahead of it, at least. Compare the price of this to that of wines like Rayas and Bonneau and it quickly becomes obvious that in world terms, they are almost giving this away. Okay, not quite but it is sensational buying for a rare wine of world class quality.