2022 Adelina Estate Grenache, Clare Valley

Block 2 (planted 1940). 23 days in concrete for ferment. Pressed to neutral 700l oak for 8 months. Price has gone up a bit, but I reckon with these wines, maybe, we’ve had it too good.

Strawberry, raspberry, all fresh, with almond, some mint and rosy perfume. Medium-bodied, plenty of crunch and fresh cranberry acidity, a little fennel, so lively, with fine chalk dust grip, and super length. What a bright, perfumed and individual expression of Grenache. So lovely.

95+ points Gary Walsh winefront.com.au

Col McBride knows his wines and he’s an unabashed fan of the legendary Château Rayas. His aim here has been to produce a Grenache of great finesse and perfume from his old, Estate vines. To be specific, this comes from a two-acre parcel of Adelina’s vines, planted in 1942 on desiccated grey loams. It’s a plot known as the Springvale Block, or sometimes simply Block Two, and it’s is just a stone’s throw away from the iconic Wendouree vineyard.