There are plenty of pseudo field blends on the market, but this is the real deal, and features Shiraz, Grenache, Mataro, Ugni Blanc, Roussanne and Carignan, all randomly planted in a single block of the Adelina Estate vineyard. 2020 is just the third release from this organically farmed parcel and, again, judging by the quality, this Gardner-McBryde brainwave has proved to be an inspired decision.
In true field blend style, the grapes were harvested and fermented as one. Destemming was followed by an uncrushed co-fermentation and maceration for eight days. The wine was then pressed off into neutral oak for six months before bottling. A fascinating wine and, with only 50 dozen produced, it won’t last. It has that classic Adelina medium-bodied, effortless feel to it: it’s bright but also complex and earthy with a wonderful balance of fruit and very, very fine, powdery tannins. Absolutely delicious.