2024 Kalleske Old Vine Grenache Organic, Barossa Valley

This is made from a vineyard planted in 1935 as bush vines on the Kalleske estate. Red plum, raspberry and cranberry fruits dusted with a layer of gingery spice, pressed wildflowers, dried citrus rind, rose petals, tea cake, cola and crushed rock. There's an infectious energy here, pushing that lovely red fruit core forwards. Sandy tannins bring the edges inwards, providing structure and form. It's great drinking.

93 points Dave Brookes winecompanion.com.au

Kalleske Old Vine Grenache Organic from the Barossa Valley is a gloriously perfumed, supple and deeply characterful red sourced from some of the region’s oldest Grenache vines, many of them planted in the nineteen hundreds on the sandy loams of Greenock and Moppa. These ancient, dry grown vines produce tiny crops of intensely flavoured berries, naturally low in yield and high in aromatic lift. The Kalleske family, seventh generation growers and one of the Barossa’s pioneers of certified organic and biodynamic farming, treat these venerable bush vines with enormous care. Their approach in the cellar is gentle and traditional: open fermentation, wild yeasts, basket pressing and maturation in older French hogsheads so the fruit, spice and vineyard voice stay front and centre.

The nose is beautifully expressive with aromas of raspberry, wild strawberry, red cherry and pomegranate layered with rose petal, musk, orange zest and a whisper of sweet spice. Beneath the brightness lies the signature Barossa warmth: hints of earthy red dust, dried herbs, subtle cinnamon and a touch of anise. As the wine takes on air, deeper tones of rhubarb, plum skin and sandalwood weave their way through, adding quiet complexity without heaviness.

The palate is silky, juicy and wonderfully pure. Red berry fruit glides across fine, talc like tannins that feel both soft and purposeful. Flavours of raspberry compote, cherry, spiced plum and cranberry build gently, supported by bright natural acidity that gives lift and definition. There’s a beautiful interplay of generosity and elegance, the mid palate fleshy but never overripe, finishing long, fresh and lightly savoury with lingering notes of red fruit, herbs and warm earth. It will evolve gracefully over five to seven years, developing more spice and soft, gamey nuance.

At the table it pairs effortlessly with chargrilled lamb, pork belly with fennel, roast chicken, duck with orange glaze, grilled halloumi, Middle Eastern dishes, mushroom risotto, pizza, tapas or simply shared with good company on warm evenings.