2018 Cirillo Estate 1850 Ancestor Vine Grenache, Barossa Valley

This, I’ll say up front, is a sensational wine, from the gnarled old Cirillo 1850 vines on the sands of Vine Vale. Deep and bright in the glass. There is more detail and aromatic amplitude here. Perfectly poised plum and berry fruits, ginger spice, turned earth, wild strawberries, cola and purple floral tones. There’s depth and horsepower obviously present here but there is a freshness and sense of clarity to the proceedings that just draws you in. Superb length of flavour, too, finishing sapid and filigreed with uber-fine, compact, sandy tannins. A ripping release.

97 points Special Value Dave Brookes winecompanion.com.au

Cirillo Estate 1850 Ancestor Vine Grenache from Barossa Valley is a rare and extraordinary expression of old-vine Grenache, sourced from what are believed to be the world’s oldest continuously producing Grenache vines, planted in 1850. Family-owned and operated, Cirillo Estate is renowned for its dedication to traditional winemaking and preserving these ancient, dry-grown bush vines. With minimal intervention and a focus on terroir, this wine captures the depth, complexity, and elegance that only century-old vines can deliver.

On the palate, Cirillo 1850 Ancestor Vine Grenache is both powerful and refined, offering layers of red cherry, wild raspberry, and plum, seamlessly interwoven with notes of dried herbs, rose petal, and earthy spice. Subtle oak aging adds hints of cedar, vanilla, and cacao, enhancing the wine’s complexity while allowing the purity of the fruit to shine. Silky tannins and bright acidity create a beautifully structured mouthfeel, leading to a long, graceful finish with lingering notes of tobacco, cinnamon, and crushed minerals.

This Grenache is a perfect match for slow-roasted lamb, grilled duck, or Mediterranean dishes featuring eggplant, olives, and rosemary. Its balance of fruit, spice, and fine tannins also makes it an excellent companion to aged cheeses such as Manchego or Gruyère. Enjoyable upon release, this wine also has exceptional aging potential, continuing to evolve for 15–20 years, gaining further nuance and texture with time.