2020 Stonegarden Field Blend Grenache, Barossa Valley

A field blend of 85/10/4/2% grenache/mataro/shiraz/malbec. Vineyard planted in 1858, organically grown. earthy and spice-laden with tones of dried herbs and amaro suffusing through the bright dark cherry, mulberry and raspberry fruits. hints of dried citrus rinds, leather, pipe tobacco, ginger cake and cola. Powdery, toothsome tannins and a bright sour cherry acid line as the wine trails off.

93 points Dave Brookes winecompanion.com.au October 2024

If the Northwest Grenache is the soprano, then the field blend Grenache block is the baritone, with a deeper more complex range of tannins, red berry fruits and darker colour while still maintaining the signature Stonegarden Grenache rose-petal lift and spicy perfume.

The 1858 field blend block is predominantly Grenache. A small section to the south of this block was originally planted to Mataro and although many of those vines remain, they form a small portion of the overall vine mix. At the time of planting, other grape varieties were also introduced into the mix. We don’t know if this was part of the master plan to add complexity to the block, or simply a mistake made when the original vine cuttings were taken in the 1850s.

To add another layer of intrigue to this national treasure, gaps in the vineyard have been replanted or infilled with other varieties. The field blend block is now mainly Grenache (more than 85%), Mataro, Shiraz, Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon and Trincadiera making up the balance in descending order of volume and influence on the final ‘field blend’ or ensemble of grape varieties.

Together they make a complex wine with depth and confidence, darker fruits and softer tannins than the Northwest Grenache block.
Like the wine made from the Northwest block, a portion of whole bunches were added to the ferment. Maturation in seasoned 500L French oak barrels play a major role in the structure and style of the final blend.

Stonegarden Field Blend Grenache from Barossa Valley is a soulful, expressive wine that captures the wild beauty of one of South Australia's most historically significant vineyards. The fruit comes from Stonegarden’s iconic vineyard in Springton, where Grenache vines planted as far back as the 1850s thrive alongside a handful of other old vine varieties, scattered through the block in classic field blend style.

Rather than isolating single varietals, the team at Stonegarden embraces the chaos of the mixed plantings. Each vintage is a true reflection of the vineyard’s natural rhythm, with Grenache leading the charge, supported by traces of Mourvèdre, Cinsault, Shiraz and possibly a few forgotten relics. The winemaking is minimal intervention, with wild yeast fermentation and maturation in old French oak to keep the focus squarely on purity and terroir.

The wine opens with aromas of raspberry, red plum and blood orange, layered with dusty spice, dried herbs and a whisper of leather. On the palate, it’s juicy and medium-bodied with a vibrant energy that’s more Rhône-inspired than classic Barossa. The texture is silken, the acidity is refreshing, and the finish is long and savoury, revealing fine sandy tannins and stony mineral tension.

This is a wine that feels alive. It’s brilliant now with lamb shoulder, charred quail, or grilled eggplant with pomegranate, and will also age beautifully over the next 5 to 8 years.