2021 Torbreck Hillside Vineyard Grenache

Dense midnight black heart with a deep dark red black tinged hue. Wafting out of the glass are decadent aromatics of black raspberry, liquorice and black cherry which are complimented by some vanillin cedar, scorched earth and pepper notes. Weighty and voluptuously textured, lavish black raspberry, liquorice, black cherry and black plum fruits completely engulf the palate with notions of scorched earth, vanillin cedar and peppered fennel lying underneath. Outstanding power and depth with a velvety yet sturdy tannin structure finishing long, deep and succulent.
Drink over the next 5-6 years.
Alc. 15%

Other Reviews….
"How was 2021 for you, was it as good as I've heard?" I asked winemaker Ian Hongell. "I initially held my powder. But once the wines resolved in barrel, and they came out the other side, I knew they were pretty good. They weren't as obvious. There's a brightness to the 2021s; they're seamless, and there's lifted freshness," said Hongell. The fruit for this 2021 Hillside Vineyard Grenache is from the Hillside vineyard, planted 1949, in Lyndoch. It matured for 18 months in large form (2,400 liters) French oak foudre. This is very good. There is a core of sweet red fruit at the very heart of this wine, but it is wrapped in a casing of very fine, savory tannins. The alcohol is 15%, but it in no way minimizes the freshness of the fruit, and the cool season is evident in the outlay of flavor across the palate. To repeat, this is very good. Drink 2023-2033.
95 Points
Erin Larkin – Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate