Swinney Grenache 2021

Swinney Grenache is a dry-grown bush-vine Grenache blend from the Wilsons Pool vineyard in Frankland River.

Rich gravel and loam on the Wilsons Pool site carry the bush vines behind this wine, planted from massale cuttings supplied by David Hohnen when Matt Swinney gambled on the variety in the late 1990s. Each vine was passed over three times in 2021, with anything imperfect declassified. The blend runs Grenache at 90 per cent, Mourvèdre at seven and Syrah at three. Fermentation was wild with 25 per cent whole bunches, the fruit spent a fortnight on skins, and maturation took 11 months in large-format oak, none of it new. Bottling was unfined with minimal filtration. Few Australian reds have been argued over as much as these two Grenaches.

Pure red fruit with a ripple of wild herb and spice, draped over the finest tannin frame, and the Nebbiolo comparisons are not idle. Serve at 15 to 16 degrees. Match it with roast duck, porcini risotto or grilled lamb.

*Every effort is made to ensure the current vintage is accurate; however, variations can occur. If you are after a specific vintage, please contact us prior to ordering.