Juxtaposed: Delicious Grenache and more from Wes Pearson

Now here’s a label you need to get onto.

Juxtaposed is the new label of Wes Pearson, who’s Dodgy Bros wines I’ve covered extensively in the past (have a squizz here for an example).

With the Juxtaposed line Wes is still working with the same partners and fruit sources, however the branding is more reflective of his own personality, complete with super cool label art.

I freaked out when these wines arrived at Graham HQ on Thursday, as a not-so-clever courier ignored delivery instructions and randomly left the case in the sun on a 37C day.

Couriers in Australia are genuinely bad.

Even Fastways, who are normally the best of the bunch, left a case of wine halfway up a garden path this week. Not the top, or the bottom, or anywhere near the house but halfway.

Luckily these wines were still in rude health, although Wes tells me that after an enthusiastic response from the trade last week, the tiny quantities are looking even tinier.

You’ll need to get in quick…

Juxtaposed ‘Boomstick’ South Australia Grenache Tempranillo 2016

‘Young, juicy and bright. smash it down’ says Wes. A blend of 64% Clarendon Grenache, 36% Kangaroo Island Tempranillo. 30% whole bunches, half wild fermented and no adjustments. 120 doz. produced.

This is incredibly lively. Vibrancy writ large, a cavalcade of red lolly fruit (but not sweet), then light sandy tannins and anise, raspberry fruit through the finish. Exuberance of young fresh Grenache is the star here, with Temp giving an extra hit of oomph. I challenge you to not finish a bottle. Simple wine, sure, but utterly delicious. Deserves many gold medals based on smashability. Best drinking: 2017-2021. 18.5/20, 94/100. 13.3%, $29. Would I buy it? Absolutely.

Juxtaposed ‘Push’ Old Vine McLaren Vale Grenache 2015

90yr old vines at Clarendon, crushed and destemmed, then matured for 18 months in 5yr old barrique. ‘A wine that is expressing the place that it was grown. I just try to stay out of the way’. 110 doz. produced. 

Serious Grenache. An array of red cherry, rhubarb and then tangy red fruit, it’s gentle, dusty and showcases the withering old vine Grenache just as Wes says. Don’t be fooled by the light tannins, this is long and utterly authentic, if just a fraction warming through the finish. For now, I prefer the Boomstick, but in 5 years time this will be the star, particularly when some gamey complexity joins the party. Best drinking: 2019-2030. 18/20, 93/100+. $37. Would I buy it? I’d drink most of a bottle.

Juxtaposed McLaren Vale Pinot Gris 2016

‘The 3rd and last year I’ll take fruit from this vineyard in Blewitt Springs – it was ripped out and replanted with different varieties after vintage… You won’t hear me backing more Pinot Gris to be planted in Blewitt Springs but at the same time sad to see it go’. 30% solids ferment, put to barrel with solids remaining and no sulphur until early spring. Unfiltered. 110 dozen made.

Pear juice ahoy! Cloudy. Dry and tangy, but the grip is juxtaposed by ripe pear fruit. Plenty of latent power with a hint of oxidation accentuating the tang and filling out the finish. Light touch winemaking but too taut to be natural – it feels too crisp and natural for that. I always love the extra richness and palate weight that you find in unfiltered white wines. But hey, the people apparently don’t get it, so we have soulless bright wines instead. The fullness of texture through the middle is what makes this, although you get the sense this is best drunk sooner rather than later. Easily the best McLaren Vale Pinot Gris I’ve ever had and delicious, textural juice with enough freshness to bring you back for thirds. Best drinking: 2017-2018. 17.7/20, 92/100. 12%, $22. Would I buy it? Sure would.