2022 Tscharke Stone Well Grenache, Barossa Valley

Damien Tscharke has always done grenache well. Kind of under-the-radar well. It's kind of cool because you taste it and it seems as though you've stumbled upon a secret. Single-vineyard. Stone Well subregion. Diaphanous, airy and detailed, sporting a pinot-like gaze in the glass. Complex and spicy, things flit in and out of view, fine graphitey tannins and a mineral cadence, both structural and provoking tension. Just great drinking.

95 points Special Value Dave Brookes winecompanion.com.au

A beautiful semi-translucent ruby red. Explosive bouquet of red fruit and floral. This Grenache offers the most seductive combination of cherry, red plum, ripe strawberry and savoury elements of rhubarb, dried woody herbs, botanicals and earth. There is so much to discover before even taking the first sip. In its incredible elegance, this wine is generous and powerful. The palate opens to juicy are ripe red berries notes and develops into a more savoury mid to back-palate. Notes of maraschino cherry, woody spice, white pepper and red earth carry the wine to the most beautiful, long finish. This wine’s balance is something else…fruit sweetness, fresh acidity, firm grape skin tannins, and mid-palate texture play harmoniously and keep the wine dancing on the taste buds. Decant and enjoy now, or cellar away.

Tscharke Stone Well Grenache from Barossa Valley is a vibrant and richly textured single-vineyard wine that highlights the expressive qualities of Grenache from this iconic Australian region. Tscharke Wines, a family-owned estate, is known for its dedication to organic and biodynamic practices, which allow the natural character of the fruit and terroir to shine through. The Stone Well subregion’s warm climate and deep soils create ideal conditions for Grenache, giving the wine a balance of ripeness and freshness.

Winemaker Damien Tscharke takes a minimal-intervention approach to crafting this Grenache, with hand-harvested grapes and gentle winemaking techniques to preserve the fruit’s vibrancy and complexity. The wine undergoes fermentation with some whole bunches, enhancing the aromatics and texture, and is aged in seasoned French oak, allowing the purity of Grenache to remain the focal point.

Tscharke Stone Well Grenache opens with aromas of red cherry, raspberry, and hints of wild herbs, complemented by notes of earth and a touch of spice. On the palate, it is juicy and medium-bodied, with flavors of ripe red fruit, subtle pepper, and a refreshing acidity that leads to a long, lively finish. This Grenache captures the elegance and depth of Barossa Valley, making it an excellent choice for lovers of refined, terroir-driven red wines.