Again - Wirra Wirra's standout Absconder Grenache nails it

December 3, 2015

Again – Wirra Wirra’s standout Absconder Grenache nails it

I’ve enjoyed several vintages of Wirra Wirra’s Absconder Grenache, and this ’13 nails it again. In a warm and dry vintage, Grenache again seems ideally suited to the Vale, and certainly much more than Shiraz or Cabernet.

I don’t think that’s going to start some mass grafting over to Grenache, but I know what I’d want to have in the ground if I was planning for a (hotter) future.

Wirra Wirra The Absconder McLaren Vale Grenache 2013
Dark ruby. Another smart release from Wirra, this is headier and a little more bitumen like this year, but still captures the Grenache beauty. Cranberry, red berry and a tarry edge, this has a nice viscosity and dark fruit. Lovely lithe sandy tannins. Raspberry fruit and really taps into the open ripe fruit of Grenache, but with length and extraction too. Big fan. Best drinking: 2015-2028. 18.5/20, 94/100. 14.5%, RRP $70.

2013, Grenache, McLaren Vale, Top Wine

Andrew Graham was once voted the 23rd most trusted wine critic on the planet. A WCA Journalism Young Gun now old hack with 25yrs as a buyer, judge, journalist, marketer and too much more.

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2 responses to “Again – Wirra Wirra’s standout Absconder Grenache nails it”

Colin

December 5, 2015 at 12:58 pm

Hi Andrew,
“This is headier and a little more bitumen like this year”

should I interpret this statement as a slight criticism?

Thanks
Colin r

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Andrew Graham

December 5, 2015 at 8:06 pm

Not necessarily. In some wines maybe, but here it just means more weight – the extra booze isn’t intrusive

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