Dandelion Vineyards Moonrise Kingdom Grenache Petite Sirah 2023
G 95
Blackberries and thorny bush fruits. Soft liquorice and carob. Gritty succulent potting soil with hints of long pepper and caraway spice. Perky in its uplifts of acidity followed by a spot of blueberries and prune plums. It has a solid shape, almost cube-like, that defines its character, powdery tannins and acidity that keep it upright, but with a mid palate that fills in the outline. Vibrant and with well designed structural elements built for the long haul. Will cellar well for another eight years. Drink with venison and pepper sauce. Drink now–2032 Haselgrove Wines The Ambassador Shiraz 2021 G 95 Davidson plum, wild cherry and rose petal. Sweet tobacco, tonka bean and sumac spice. Tannins are silky and fine with quite agile acidity. This is well integrated and drinking very well now. Plenty of poise and restraint with oak handling. Its time in bottle has gradually transformed this into a real beauty. Drink now–2028 Haselgrove Wines Col Cross Shiraz 2021 G 95 The Col Cross speaks of an alchemist’s place of work. Tinctures of exotic red fruits, cherry liqueur and steeped teas. Bitter herbs, gnarled root and coffee bean. It’s lively on the palate with a pep in its step, fruit is well captured here. A very smooth drink indeed. A touch of mysticism about this wine. Drink now–2030 Heirloom Vineyards Alcala Grenache 2023 G 95 A cordial of apple and raspberry, cranberry and Christmas cherries. Bergamot and rosella blooms. The palate unfurls with fruit first and then a traveller’s spice box of wonderous things. Amchoor powder, harissa, saffron and pink peppercorn. Its tannins intertwine and create a basket for which to carry the flavours. Acidity arches and falls elegantly. Here, you do not see the cracks that Grenache can sometimes bring, alcohol is in check, medicinal or confectionary fruit? Not here. This is very impressive and rings in harmony for a long time. Heavenly. Drink now–2030 In Praise of shadows Komorebi Grenache 2023 G 95 60% whole bunch, 25% extended maceration in eggs, and 15% destemmed oak elevage. All Clarendon fruit. Persimmon fruit, wild raspberries and quince bitters. Peach rose, Aperol and goji berry. A swathe of mighty acidity followed by fine interlocking tannins. There are Alpine strawberries and cinchona bark on the finish. This falls into the fine and ethereal Grenache realms with such pretty tones of rouge and tangerine that you might forget it has such robust structure. It will outlast most fair-weather friends. A ‘smart’ wine indeed, with plenty of soul. Memorable to the core. Drink now–2034
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The Vintage Journal – Regional Focus
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