2023 Brave Souls The Able Seaman Grenache, Barossa Valley

There's a cola and sarsaparilla edge to the juicy plum and dark berry fruits on display here, with a good depth of spice and hints of ginger cake, amaro, licorice, dried herbs and earth. If I was to hold up a grenache swatch-book to this wine, it would fall at the deeper-fruited end with plenty of ripe fruit, toothsome, silty tannins and a spicy and earthy tone to its back end.

92 points Special Value Dave Brookes winecompanion.com.au

Brave Souls The Able Seaman Grenache from the Barossa Valley is a vibrant, medium-bodied red that showcases a more lifted, modern take on this classic variety. While Barossa Grenache is often associated with plushness and generosity, The Able Seaman leans into elegance, aromatic detail and gentle structure. It’s sourced from old vines and made with a light touch, resulting in a wine that’s expressive, silky and quietly complex — a tribute to the resilience and spirit of its namesake.

The fruit comes from low-yielding vineyards across the western Barossa where sandy soils allow Grenache to ripen fully while retaining freshness. Fermented with partial whole bunch and aged in seasoned French oak, the winemaking focuses on preserving perfume and texture rather than building weight.

In the glass, it opens with aromas of raspberry, red cherry, crushed rose petal, cinnamon and dried thyme. The palate is juicy and mid-weight, with silky tannins, vibrant red fruit, savoury spice and a long, supple finish. There’s a softness to the structure, but also a thread of earth and mineral that keeps it grounded.

Food pairing: ideal with grilled lamb cutlets, Moroccan spiced vegetables, roast duck with cherries, or mushroom risotto. Also excellent with aged Manchego or semi-firm sheep’s milk cheeses.

Cellar potential: drinking beautifully now but will develop more savoury complexity over the next 5 to 7 years.