Samuel's Gorge Winery

McLaren Vale | South Australia

The Wines

2014 Samuel's Gorge Grenache

The primary focus of our Grenache hails from the North Easterly facing wing of the valley we call Blewitt Springs. It’s a sheltered corner within our region that delights in the morning sun and is well protected from the extremes of summer. It’s the subtle differences of aspect and elevation, harshness of the geology, the symbiotic relationship between aromas of flora on ancient soils and the brightness of the light. The image of the rising standard of the yucca plant peppering the untamed Australian landscape. We are inspired by the unmistakeable signature of our province and its unique expression in Grenache.

Without question, no two vintages in any cultivar are the same and that particularly applies when dealing with our old, gnarly bush-vine Grenache vineyards. Vintage 2012 was nearly perfect. A remarkably moderate summer in terms of temperature variability; idyllic really in our warm, coastal province. We didn’t see a drop of rain on the horizon, but we’ve long wisened to that.

To keep us on our toes however the intangibles of the Vale came into play with unruly gully winds from the southwest and vivid light serving as signatures of this harvest season. Wind weary vines yielded tight bunches and small berries with restrained power, concentration and ripe tannins. With a nod to the 2011 vintage that will forevermore serve as our benchmark for this style, we are stoked that the grace and detail of the 2012 have not strayed too far from this standard. The ‘12 is a little headier, with more generous aromas that entreat you to stop and savour: the warm flesh of a ripe raspberry and a touch more emphasis on a bouquet garni than its predecessor. Tantalisingly refreshing, prickly pear sorbet complimented with foraged wild tayberry and blackberries. Finish the thought with a nip of elegant; peppery Bianco Tequila.

Grace and beauty in the detail with commanding charisma. The flavours are strongly linked to the aromas: vibrant, bright red cherry, zesty twist of a tangelo rind and piquant quince paste shaded with dried oregano and wisps of white pepper. It embraces the rusticity of ancient earth and a signature Vale flint: subtle hints of the sea in delicate ribbons of nori, the savoury umami of white miso. Bright acids and texturally intriguing fine, chalky tannins give amazing line and length. We have had quite a journey with the Old Vine Grenache in our region for well over a hundred years and for me more recently over the last fifteen or so. Every year it becomes more engaging to make and polarising to taste. Find yourself lost in the aromatic charm of Grenache – transported back to our vista on the hill.

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