Yalumba Bush Vine Grenache 2021

Yalumba Bush Vine Grenache, Barossa, South Australia, 2021   

Grape: 100% Grenache, vines over 35 years old, oaked

Bright red fruits and spice flow on to a rich, yet savoury palate delivering a wine of elegance, tight structure and tremendous length. The subtle use of French oak enhances the true varietal characters of this classic Barossa Grenache.

From the Yalumba winery: 

“Yalumba is extremely fortunate to have a resource of very old, gnarled bush vines which produce low yields of concentrated Grenache. A range of terroir can be seen across the different vineyards, from sandy soils to sandy loam to red-brown earth over red clay.

To maximise our blending options, all batches of Yalumba Barossa Bush Vine Grenache are crushed as separate parcels. Some batches retain their stems to help contribute another flavour dimension. The wild yeasts present on the grape skins are allowed to initiate fermentation and, once that has progressed, cultured winery yeasts are added. Particular batches are then selected to remain on skins post-fermentation, further contributing to greater complexity and individuality. After draining and pressing of skins all batches are racked to barrel for maturation.

Bright garnet in colour with purple and red hues. Inviting aromas of dark cherries and raspberry amid a floral, spicy background. Time in the glass reveals orange zest, lavender and a tantalising hint of herbes de Provence. This medium–bodied, seductive Grenache shows excellent balance between fruits and spices, silky tannins and lively acidity.” 

Critics' Tasting Notes:

"Bright, deep ruby-red, lighter on the rim. The nose is soft and filled with red berry, cherry and subtle spice aromas. Medium-bodied, bright red berry, cherry and blackcurrant aromas entwined with milk chocolate and cinnamon. The mouthfeel is smooth with supple tannin, and juicy acidity carries spice to a sustained finish. This Grenache is beautifully assembled by succulent red fruit, subtle complexity and depth of fruit on a smooth palate. Match with roasted goose and pork over the next 5 years. Fruit from old bush vines planted in 1920-1976, fermented to 14% alc, aged 10 months in older French puncheons and hogsheads, vegan friendly."

18/20 points, Raymond Chan Wine Reviews, March 2023

"This is an aromatic Grenache with a perfume of ripe strawberry and cranberry fruit and a little spice and florals. The palate is mid-weight, fresh and silky with succulence amid a powerful frame of spicy, granular tannins. Elegant, varietal and easy-drinking."

91/100 points, WINE ENTHUSIAST, December 2023

A wine born to be served with food, try with roast duck and fennel, or a vegetable Jambalaya.