Wine Code Breaker #260

One from the archives of 2018…I have been lucky enough to have met Kevin Glastonbury once. Often referred to as KG, he is a winemaker from the Yalumba team. I made the mistake of calling him Wayne and those around at the time burst out in mirth while my face became somewhat Grenache-coloured in embarrassment. Getting over this, we had a great discussion over Yalumba’s wonderful reds and in particular, KG’s approach to Grenache. KG left me with the impression that he was a frustrated Pinot Noir winemaker and issued strict instructions to seek out the Tri-CentenaryGrenache. It took me a couple of years, but better late than never.

The 2012 Yalumba Tri-Centenary Grenache from the Barossa Valley in South Australia is a bright garnet and purple-coloured wine that is made from bush vines dating back to 1889. The nose immediately appeals with its earthiness, spices, herbal and floral bouquet. Wonderfully alluring. Moving to the palate and you will feel compelled to make like a wolf by howling at a full moon. It is an impressively broad-flavoured palate supported by grainy tea-like tannins and red earthy fruits that have a degree of leanness to them. Liquorice and spices intertwine with touches of mocha, hints of coffee beans to name but a few elements that are present. Intense and elegant, it is amazingly complex and stunningly delicious. All must pay homage to those vines that have survived and straddle three centuries and to a winemaker who treats their precious fruits with the utmost respect. Onya Wayne…oops, Kevin!

Enjoy!