2024 Chaffey Bros Pax Aeterna Grenache, Barossa Valley

Bright and red-fruited with aromas of raspberry bush, cherries, citrus peel, dried flowers and licorice root. The palate is vibrant and crunchy with a plush mouthfeel and fine-grained tannins. Made from 91-year-old-vines with 35% whole-cluster fermentation. Fresh and perfumed. Drink now. Screw cap.
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92 points jamessuckling.com

Grapes sourced from the 90-year-old grenache vines from Kevin Schild's vineyard in Vine Vale. Super crunchy and high-toned in the glass with characters of raspberry, juicy plum and cranberry fruits cut with exotic ginger spice, amaro herbs, dried citrus rind, gingerbread, cola and earth. Light on its feet with a minerally cadence, some light meaty tones on the palate, silty tannins and a whole lot of drinking enjoyment.

92 points Dave Brookes winecompanion.com.au

Old vine Grenache from the sandy soils of the Barossa Valley takes centre stage in Pax Aeterna, a wine that reflects the thoughtful and progressive approach of Chaffey Bros Wine Co. The label was founded by brothers Daniel and Theo Chaffey, who returned to South Australia after working in wine regions around the world and set out to craft wines that celebrate site, balance and drinkability. Pax Aeterna, meaning eternal peace, draws on mature Grenache vineyards planted in classic Barossa sand and loam soils that allow the vines to produce fruit of purity and aromatic lift. The winemaking approach favours gentle extraction and restrained oak so the character of the old vines and the warmth of the Barossa landscape remain at the forefront.

The colour is bright ruby with a youthful vibrancy. Fragrant aromas of wild strawberry, raspberry and red cherry leap from the glass, supported by hints of rose petal, spice and subtle earthy notes. As the wine opens further layers of dried herbs, white pepper and a touch of savoury complexity emerge. The palate is silky and expressive with fine tannins carrying flavours of red berries, pomegranate and spice across a supple and beautifully balanced frame.

Fresh acidity keeps everything lively, leading to a long and graceful finish. It is delicious in its youth yet will develop further nuance over the next eight to twelve years. At the table it works wonderfully with slow roasted lamb shoulder, grilled quail, charred eggplant with herbs or Mediterranean inspired dishes that highlight the wine’s aromatic charm.