Head Old Vine Barossa Grenache 2014

2014 will go down as another good vintage for Barossa Grenache, proof positive of just how well suited the variety is to the region. In the same breath, old vine Grenache is still sold for half as much per tonne – if not less – than old vine Shiraz. I wonder when/if that will change? I know that Torbreck were once throwing big money at the best Barossa Grenache, but that was years ago…

The fruit for this comes off old vines at Krondorf.

Dark ruby, it’s quite dark coloured for Grenache, the whole wine showing a real substantial thickness, that redcurrant fruit tempered with firm (for Barossa Grenache) tannins and headlined with coconut oak sweetness in front of the slightly warm fruit.

Awfully serious and concentrated, this just needs some time to come together – it feels too tightly packed for drinking right now. 18 months needed.

Quality stuff regardless.

Details: 14.5%, Screwcap, $45
Tasted: May 2015 (sample)
Drink: 2016-2028
Score: 17.7/20, 92/100+
Would I buy it? Not quite yet. Would love to see in 12 months though.
Buy online: Auswine