2024 Tim Smith Bugalugs Grenache, Barossa Valley

The 2024 Bugalugs Old Vine Grenache boasts fruit from vines planted in Vine Vale from the 1870s. I am then amused by the price point of $30 AUD—quite a small outlay for such old vines and rare material. Vine Vale soils are largely composed of sands, and this lends the Grenache grown in this area a distinctive floral perfume that I find incredibly pretty. So here, the wine leads with pomegranate and raspberry, licorice and ironstone. In the mouth, the wine is crunchy and fresh, with a density of fruit through the middle palate and finish that hints at the vines that produced the fruit. It is savory, with spice, and oak is not a feature. This is a very good value indeed. Drink 2025–2034.

92 points Erin Larkin for The Wine Advocate, December 2025

A textural, dense and flavorful white blend of grenache gris, roussanne and grenache blanc. It has notes of pears, apples and mild spices on the nose. Medium-bodied with moderate acidity. Fresh and floral with an agile mid-palate. Lifted and in control, with a succulent finish. Drink now.

92 points James Suckling, March 2025

Aromas of earth, sweet spice, bramble, mulberry and a menthol lift. Fleshy, meaty, fruit driven and mouth-filling. There's a lovely juiciness and approachabilty here and the tannins and perky acidity work well to deliver shape and cut. Drink 2025–2032.

90 points Aaron Brasher for The Real Review, October 2025

The name change for 2024 signals something worth paying attention to. 2024 Bugalugs Grenache is based on a single vineyard planted in 1870 — Tim Smith makes a point of saying that is not a typo. At 155 years old these are among the most ancient Grenache vines in the Barossa, and the concentration and character that comes from fruit of that age is quietly extraordinary. Matured in older 500 litre French puncheons — large format, gentle oak influence — and bottled without filtration, as with all Tim Smith reds.

Bright ruby, the nose shows red cherry, raspberry and plum with fine spice, dried herbs and a lifted floral note. The palate is medium-bodied and vibrant with soft rounded fruit, silky tannins and a clean, fresh finish. Worth serving with a slight chill. The kind of wine that earns its price several times over.

This could be a great wine to pick for the next time you pick up a roasted Chinese duck if you're lucky enough to live close to a shop.