2023 Heirloom Alcala Grenache, McLaren Vale

There’s a density of fruit here, leavened with the verve of the season. Red and black cherries, raspberry compote, redcurrant jelly, red licorice, white pepper and a dusty, earthy quality. There’s a firm drive to the palate apace with the fruit weight, cinching without constricting, the finish both vibrant and savoury.

95 points ME winecompanion.com.au

Heirloom Vineyards Alcala Grenache from McLaren Vale is a plush, richly aromatic red that showcases the vibrant potential of old-vine Grenache grown in the region’s sandy soils. Sourced from gnarly, low-yielding bush vines in the Blewitt Springs subregion, this wine combines the lifted perfume and brightness typical of the site with depth, texture and a gentle savoury edge. It's a luxurious yet elegant expression, made with the care and restraint that define Heirloom’s best wines.

Winemaking is sensitive to the natural delicacy of Grenache. Hand harvested fruit is fermented with wild yeasts in open fermenters, with some whole bunch inclusion for added spice and structure. Maturation takes place in older French oak barrels to soften and round the wine without imposing heavy oak character.

The nose is perfumed and expressive, with raspberry, rose petal, blood orange, crushed herbs and a whisper of white pepper. The palate is medium to full bodied, with silky tannins and flavours of red cherry, pomegranate, Turkish delight and earthy spice. There’s real flow and finesse through the finish, driven by natural acidity and fine minerality.

Food pairing: pairs beautifully with roast duck, lamb shoulder with sumac, Moroccan vegetable tagine, or beetroot and goat cheese salad. Also excellent with grilled quail or mushroom and thyme tart.

Cellar potential: drinking well now, but will evolve gracefully over 8 to 12 years, developing more savoury depth, forest floor and spice.