Wine Advocate 97 points.
Total production 208 dozen.
The 2019 Stonegarden Grenache is made with fruit from the Stonegarden Vineyard (bush vines planted circa 1858) in the Eden Valley. This is so good. It shows all of the mineralogy and graphite tannins that are so commonly found in the Eden Valley—part of what makes it such a special place. I was there recently, and driving up Mengler's Hill not only affords you a most epic view back over the Barossa Valley floor, but I find it the best place to understand the rocks in the earth that rise up out of the ground there. This wine has such endurance of flavor in the mouth that I can still taste it after having written the note. Hungarian salami, pink peppercorns, pencil shavings, raspberry pip, salted licorice, black cherries, cocoa powder... you want more? Also fennel seeds, pepper and blackberries. The tannins shape all aspects of this wine and carry it over the long (and fresh) finish Drinking window 2022-2037.
96 Points - “Old bushvines planted in 1857 prove they still have the X-factor. One batch of fruit destemmed and popped into a ceramic egg on skins for several months (not specified) then into used puncheons; the second batch, whole-bunch fermented in used puncheons. Happy to report this is a sterling drink. It has poise, incredibly velvety tannins, a suppleness and beautiful fruit, which is the very heart of this wine.”
Jane Faulkner, Wine Companion, 1/8/2020
96 Points - “Sweetly ripe and immediately appealing, the splendidly lifted bouquet shows dark plum, olive, cumin and cured meat aromas, followed by a gorgeously rounded palate that's silky and flowing. Elegant yet generous with richness and persistency. At its best: now to 2030.”
Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, Oct. 2021
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