2024 Heirloom Alcala Grenache, McLaren Vale

Fermented with 42% whole bunches; aged for eight months in 75% mainly neutral oak, with a small portion of first, second and third-use French oak; 25% in tank. The whole bunch plays a key role here, lifting and spicing, giving shape and structure to the expressive fruit. Bing cherries, redcurrant gelée, wild raspberries, white pepper, sour red snakes, white pepper, cinnamon and sumac, a paprika-spiked earthiness. That bunch-built architecture seems to hold everything weightlessly suspended, both intense and featherlight. Excellent.

96 points Marcus Ellis winecompanion.com.au

Heirloom Vineyards’ Alcala Grenache is a striking expression of McLaren Vale’s ability to produce world-class Grenache with both power and finesse. The fruit is sourced from low-yielding, old bush vines in the Alcala Vineyard, where sandy soils over clay and the moderating influence of the nearby Gulf St Vincent create grapes of intense perfume, bright acidity, and fine tannin structure. The winemaking team hand-picks the fruit, ferments it in small open fermenters with whole bunch inclusion for aromatic lift and gentle tannin complexity, and matures the wine in a combination of seasoned and new French oak to frame the fruit without overwhelming it.

In the glass, Alcala Grenache is a vivid ruby with crimson flashes. The nose is lifted and complex, showing red cherry, raspberry, and wild strawberry, interwoven with rose petal, lavender, and subtle savoury spice. The palate is medium-bodied yet concentrated, with silky tannins supporting layers of juicy red berries, blood orange, and earthy, herbal nuances. The oak is beautifully integrated, contributing hints of cinnamon, cedar, and cocoa. There’s a lingering, mineral-tinged finish that speaks clearly of its old-vine heritage and coastal terroir.

This wine is wonderfully versatile at the table, pairing beautifully with slow-roasted lamb shoulder with pomegranate glaze, Moroccan spiced chicken, chargrilled eggplant with tahini, or aged Manchego. While already harmonious and perfumed on release, it will reward 8 to 12 years of careful cellaring, gaining more savoury complexity and supple texture.