2021 Bleasdale Vineyards Grenache

They’ve done Malbec. They’ve done Shiraz. And they’ve certainly done value reds. And now, it’s the turn of the darling of the wine industry, Grenache, for Bleasdale to conquer.

Established in 1850 by English migrant Frank Potts, Bleasdale remains one of Australia's oldest wineries and one of its best-value. There's hardly a trophy or accolade they haven't won. From Paul Hotker winning Winemaker of the Year in 2018 (yes he's still at the helm) to the Jimmy Watson and Max Shubert trophy's, to name but a few, a Bleasdale wine is always to be found at the pointy end of the competition.

The word on the street is Bleasdale has been growing Grenache for decades. With most of the fruit reserved for their fortified wines, it’s not until an outstanding vintage comes along that they release a single varietal bottling dedicated to the grape. So hallelujah to the 2021 vintage and this magnificent wine!

This is Grenache with a very small percentage of whole bunch Shiraz for a bit of Oomph, plus a mouth-filling six months in seasoned French oak puncheons. Expect bright cherry aromas. The perfume is inviting with raspberry and strawberry fruits along with cardamom and five spice. The palate is juicy and fresh, with fine sinewy tannin and a chalky dry finish.