“Smart Vineyard”

Grenache | McLaren Vale - Australia

Shelf Talker Spec Sheet Wine Label Bottle Image

About

Grenache is the McLaren Vale grape Steve is most fond of and in all of its iterations globally, so long as the wine does the grape justice. What does that mean? Treat Grenache like Pinot Noir and not Syrah or Cabernet Sauvignon, pick it a bit early, very light working of the ferment and moderate skin contact. Bernard Smart is now 85 and has worked the land all of his life. He, and other members of his family, have planted many of the best sites in the region though Bernard wasn’t born when some parcels were were planted. This is the highest altitude Grenache vineyard in McLaren Vale, planted in 1955 and though is located in the ironstone rich warmth of Clarendon, it showcases very high toned aromatic notes reminiscent of Blewitt Springs.

The grapes were hand harvested on the 14th of March, vinified naturally in small open-top fermenters entirely destemmed. After eight days on skins, it was gently pressed and transferred to a 25hL, six-year-old French-oak vat and a few 4-year-old French demi-muid for maturation. After 11 months aging it was bottled without fining or filtration and a small dose of sulfur.

Stats

Grapes: 100% Grenache
Vineyard: Smart Vineyard (Clarendon)
Vine Age: 63-years-old
Soil Type: Undulating red clay loams variously dotted with chunks of iron-stone and shale quartz.
Viticulture: Practicing Organic - dry-farmed
Fermentation: Native – Stainless Steel (100% destemmed)
Skin Contact: 8 days
Aging: 11 months in a 6-year-old 25hL French foudre and three 4-year-old demi-muid
pH: 3.23
Total Acidity: 7.4
Total SO2: 60 ppm
Total Production: 305 cases

Tasting Note

This takes some air and ideally some time to slowly unfurl, but the patience is rewarded with an aromatic onslaught of raspberries, pastille, woody herbs, boysenberry, licorice and crème de violette. The palate is fresh and vibrant and has an energy that is compelling. Finishes with a delicous amaro-quality that has become synonymous with this site. A tightly wound, interwoven fist-full of wine that releases a vitality and energy that makes this far more serious than the nose would have you believe initially. The tannins are ultra fine and sandy and finish the wine with a savory lick.

Press & Reviews

Halliday Wine Companion

97

"Fruit comes off 63yo bushvines on a high, cool grenache vineyard in the Vale. It is beautifully composed. Bursting with cranberries and red cherries sprinkled with nutmeg and florals. Tending medium-bodied, yet structured and detailed with grainy, beautiful tannins and raspberry-sorbet acidity to close. Beguiling now and for years to come."

- Jane Faulkner

James Suckling

97

"An outstanding grenache from old bush vines in the Smart Vineyard, perched up on the Clarendon ridge line. This has an edge of white pepper and pomegranate with notes of bright raspberries and fresh leaves. This wine fuses elegance and power with a sleekly defined palate that carries real intensity in 2018. The structure is keenly tailored. Long and taut, red-fruit finish. Drink or hold. Screw cap."

- Nick Stock

The Wine Advocate

95

"Also known as Pannell's "Smart" Grenache, the 2018 Clarendon Grenache comes from the highest elevation Grenache vines Pannell works with. Perhaps as a result, it's more delicately perfumed, with scents of black tea, roses, cherries and raspberries. It's medium-bodied, mouthwatering and long, with great tension and length, plus just enough fine-grained tannin to make me think it should drink well for at least a decade."

- Joe Czerwinski

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2018