2023 Larnook Blewitt Springs Grenache

A juicy Grenache with explosive power yet tense and sculptured in its feel.

Dark red core with black shaded edges and a red hue. Jumping out of the glass with plenty of intensity are red to dark raspberry, red liquorice and cherry aromas which are trailed by some vanillin confectionary, crushed rock and pepper notes. Exploding across the mid weighted palate are delicious red to dark raspberry, red liquorice and cherry fruits which are framed by muscular like tannins and energetic acidity. Tense yet powerful it sees notions of crushed rock, fresh herb infusions and pepper extend right through to a very long and juicy yet sculptured finish.
Drink over the next 6-8 years.
Alc. 14%

Other Reviews…..
Centurion estate vines on deep sandy soil; matured in old French puncheons for eight months. Elegant and fragrant, and savoury with it, flush with amarena cherry, fresh redcurrant, strawberry, cranberry, rhubarb, cinnamon, musk, rosewater and sumac. This is expressly pretty and lithe, eschewing heft for vigour – with a finely structured line of nebbiolo-esque tannin – and that feels a function of site, vintage and vine material as much as purposeful stewardship. It’s no blockbuster – if that’s even relevant these days – but it surely is a lovely, lovely thing. This is an address on the rapid ascent. Drink by 2030.
95 Points
Marcus Ellis – James Halliday’s Australian Wine Companion

This has all the hallmarks of modern-day Grenache in the high quality spectrum from this area. It’s expressive, and light-footed, though at no expense to power and detail. 100 year old bush vines rooted in the coveted sandy soils of Blewitt Springs at the Larnook vineyard. 25% whole bunch and matured in old French puncheons for eight months. Lifted white pepper sits above red cherry, strawberry, raspberry, rhubarb and sweet pops of plum before an emergent savoury drive of warm sand and tilled earth builds beneath. Air unlocks further earthen notes along with rhubarb and a subtle saline twang adding allure. There’s an interesting interplay of red fruit compote, earth and spice that packs this with interest and intrigue. The palate is svelte, fine and restrained while still brilliantly intense with unmistakable old vine depth. Raspberry, plum, warm sand, and white pepper sit within fine, powdery tannins and red fruited acidity. The finish is long and wonderfully poised. There’s fine detail here, and excellent complexity. A classy release of excellent depth and character.
95 Points
Tom Kline – WinePilot.com