Schwarz Meta Grenache 2017

It’s not hard to get enthused about these Schwarz Meta wines. The pointy end of Barossa wine and just delicious drinks. This Grenache is an absolute standout too.

Handling is A1 for a start. Handpicked with 91% whole bunches, wild fermented and matured in old oak and tank before bottling unfined and unfiltered. The joy is the effortless Grenache juiciness, that shines despite the whole bunch meatiness asserting itself. Personally, I think that the sheer volume of ripe fruit flavour means that it doesn’t look stemmy at all, and the whole-bunch tannins just complete the palate (though others may find it a bit more stemmy no doubt).

Ultimately this a triumph of a wine. Exactly what you’d want for young Grenache, with this impossible red fruit plumpness, the alcohol not excessive, the tannins welcome. It’s not meant to be a wine for the long term, but it’s got the guts to be convincing. Win. Best drinking: Now to ten years. 18/20, 93/100. 13.8%, $35. Would I buy it? Yes, sure would.