2023 Robert Oatley Finisterre Grenache, McLaren Vale

From Blewitt Springs’ Loulakis vineyard off 80-year-old bush vines. This spent six months in old, large format oak. Rollicking red fruits and musky, rosy florals in a tenor range, reflecting the chill season and the relatively early picking theme of this cuvée to retain fruitful verve and drive. It’s supple and finely tannic, and a very neat, well-constructed wine; polished, but with a distinct grenache revival feel.

94 points Marcus Ellis winecompanion.com.au

Robert Oatley Finisterre Grenache from McLaren Vale is a fragrant and finely tuned red that reflects the purity and restraint of top-shelf Australian Grenache. It comes from the Blewitt Springs subregion, an elevated pocket of McLaren Vale known for its old bush vines, sandy soils and cooling coastal breezes. These conditions produce Grenache with perfume, finesse and mineral tension rather than sheer power.

The Finisterre range is all about precision and place. Winemaker Larry Cherubino selects fruit from low-yielding vineyards and uses a light hand in the winery to preserve the integrity of the site. The grapes are handpicked and fermented in small batches, often with a portion of whole bunches to build fine structure and aromatic lift. Maturation takes place in large format French oak, mostly older barrels, which allows the fruit to shine without overt influence from wood.

In the glass, this Grenache is all red fruit and spice. Aromas of raspberry, cranberry, rose petal and fennel float above a background of white pepper and crushed stone. The palate is medium-bodied and supple, with silky tannins, bright acidity and a savoury thread that runs through to a long, focused finish. There is a quiet confidence to this wine that speaks of thoughtful winemaking and exceptional fruit.

Perfect with dishes like lamb tagine, mushroom risotto with thyme or grilled eggplant with labneh and mint. Drink it now for its vibrant charm or cellar for up to eight years as it gains depth and complexity.