“In 2019 Glenn returned to two fantastic old vine sources: the Churinga Vineyard in Watervale and from the Humphries Vineyard in Sevenhill. But due to the drought of 2019 and a lack of fruit this meant seeking out a new vineyard. This came in the shape of a 50-year-old vineyard in Blewitt Springs in McLaren Vale, making this vintage a blend of two regions. The dry conditions of 2019 meant the bush vine Grenache fared well during these hot conditions, albeit with lower crop levels. Hand-picked, 75% destemmed leaving the rest as whole bunches, the traditional ‘Tonic’ foot stomp and left on skins for over 30 days. Basket pressed into seasoned French barrels, left on full lees for 9 months, racking off in December then bottled in May 2020. No fining or filtration.” – Distributor’s note
“Not enough Grenache came off the Churinga (Watervale) and Humphries (Sevenhill), so we have an augmentation here via a 50 year old vineyard located in Blewitt Springs, of roughly 60%. It’s done it no harm. It’s maybe the best Tonic Grenache I’ve tasted.
Gee, this is very good. It’s pretty, quietly perfumed, bergamot, fresh mint, spice, and red fruits. Clean, clear, precise, with charming grip of what you might call ‘Nebbiolo tannin’, gentle authority, succulence and cool acidity, and the finish is very long, and pure, a little nibble of almond and spiced orange peel as it slides away. Beautifully made. Wonderful wine.”
