Chaffey Brothers Not Your Grandma’s Rosé Rosé 2024
G 92
I think we can safely say that the name here is spot on. Definitely not. In fairness, my grandmother, rest her soul, thought all alcohol was Satan’s soda and would send us to the very hot place without so much as a single genuflection (sadly, she was not alone among my relatives in holding that view). So, definitely not my grandmother’s Rosé. The blend is old vine Grenache and Mourvèdre, both ideally suited for use in quality Rosé. The Grenache was picked early to provide a vibrancy to the texture. The colour is a gentle and alluring pink. The nose is delightfully fragrant with spices, red fruits, strawberries, rose petals and a hint of honeycomb. A touch of lavender and even a hint of Turkish Delight. Clean and fresh with good energy and decent length, this will provide simple but delicious drinking for the next few years (although not for certain members of my family). Drink now–2026 Chaffey Brothers Pax Aeterna Old Vine Grenache 202 G 92 4 Old vine Barossa Grenache is surely one of the most exciting wines on the planet at the moment. This is done in what might be seen as a Nouveau style, with around 35% whole bunches in use. The grapes come from Vine Vale in the northern Barossa, from 90-year-old vines. The name means eternal peace or its equivalent (and good luck with that), from John 14:27. A pale strawberry/garnet hue, there are strawberry notes on the nose with dry herbs, florals, bergamot, orange rind and a hint of peppermint. A lovely, lingering finish with fine acidity and a good, gentle tannin balance. A focused style which will offer pleasure today and for the next four to six years. Lots to like here. Drink now–2030 Chaffey Brothers La Conquista Red blend 202 G 92 3 A Spanish Barossa blend with Tempranillo from Gomersal, Graciano from Moculta and Garnacha from vines in excess of 50 years old from Lyndoch. The name comes from the 1811 Battle at Barrosa Ridge (yes, it is supposed to be spelt that way) where Spain fought the French. The famous Colonel Light, integral to the Barossa, fought in that 1811 conflict, hence the name of both the region and this wine, even if the spelling of the former took a tumble along the way. eight months in French oak. Delicious stuff. This is deep garnet in hue, with a nose of warm soil, dark berries, leather, coffee grinds and roast meats (which is also something that would match this wine rather wonderfully). There is a satiny texture, making it almost an easy drinking style, with very fine tannins and a lingering finish with a gentle fade. Absolutely terrific drinking now, it will offer pleasure for the next six to eight years. Drink now–2032
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The Vintage Journal – Regional Focus
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