Precious Little Old Vine Grenache 2024
G 93
Lavender and Bing cherries are swept up with clove and gravelly stone. Blackberry bush meets acai. Fruit displays its beautiful ripeness on the palate with meltingly juicy berries, some talc-like tannins and fresh acidity. This is in a precise drinking window, with all its favourable aspects coming together to provide a supple and charming drink. Yes, with some age it will evolve and begin to reveal some more poppyseed, black pepper spice perhaps, but it’s a shame to miss this exact moment, for it’s sublime right now. You know the answer, right? Buy at least a dozen and decide for yourself! Tannins are well integrated, fruit is on show and it’s medium- bodied. I cannot imagine any red wine drinker who wouldn’t enjoy this. Order BBQ pizza and take the night off cooking! Drink now–2031 Sherrah Bush Vine Grenache 2023 G 93 A single vineyard wine from bush vines aged around 60 years old. 20% whole bunch, with destemmed on top, and matured in seasoned French puncheons for 12 months. Blackberries meet with wild strawberry and rhubarb stem. Berry roll-ups and apple and raspberry cordial. A seamless palate, naturally elegant acidity and some dusty tannins that stay with you. Billy tea, brown baking spices and baked earth. A wine that feels grown and not made. Providing a graceful drink now and has the ability age further. Drink now–2030 The Pawn Wine Co Sangiovese 2024 G 93 Christmas cherry juice leaching out of a pie, rhubarb and fresh raspberries. Holly and fresh bay leaf. Grated nutmeg and sweet paprika. Fruit is clear and detailed without the heavy handling of oak; on the palate the wine echoes the nose but leads with the direct and punchy line of acidity. Tannins are very fine and complement the overall shape of the wine. This is a delight to drink on release; it will also reward in the cellar for up to five years. Astonishing for the price and a very clear example of beautifully handled and cared-for fruit. Order it by the dozen, for you will regret any less. Drink now–2030 Varney Wines Entrada GMT Grenache, Mourvèdre, Touriga 2023 G 93 73% Grenache, 18% Mourvèdre and 9% Touriaga. Crimson hues with rosella and kangaroo paw flowers. Christmas cherries and pomegranate molasses. The wine’s dusty dark spices add a richness to the red-berried fruit. Carob, rye and caraway seed. This is a well designed red wine in that it captures bright fruit and then sidles in with middle palate flesh and powdery tannins. A wine for all occasions and pot luck dinners. This, too, drinks very well on its own and could really amp up a party as the red wine choice. Go on, be daring. If I attended a wedding and this was the option, I would be thrilled. Drink now–2028
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The Vintage Journal
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