2003 Clarendon Hills Blewitt Springs Vineyard Old Vines Grenache Magnum (1500ml)

Outstanding colour extraction! Black purple colour with purple hue. The nose is a touch subdued, but reveals aroma of violets, liquorice and blood plum followed by a touch of raspberry and soy. The palate is relatively tight, much more tightly knit than previous vintages from the same vineyard. The grapes for this wine were picked in 4 sessions over a two week period. Bratasiuk flavour profiles his vineyard, as well as paying attention to the ‘numbers’ that evolve from fluid testing.

Flavours of liquorice, plum and violet emerge followed by a white pepper back palate and a warm spicy sensation. The tannin structure is fine, much drier than the previous wines, however perfectly balanced with exceptionally long spicy, plum and white pepper aftertaste.
Cellar 10-12 years (2014-2016)
Alc/Vol: 14.8%

Robert Parker's Review
According to Roman Bratasiuk, the “Dolly Parton” of Grenache is the 2003 Grenache Old Vines Blewitt Springs, from a vineyard whose soils include quartz, sand, and loam. This opulent, voluptuous, deep ruby/purple-colored effort offers a heady mixture of red and black fruits, incense, licorice, and full-bodied, viscous, exuberant flavors. Drink this delicious offering over the next decade.
(Notes sourced from Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate #155)
ROBERT PARKER'S RATING: (92-94) points