So much to like about the Maverick operation. Certified biodynamic old vines up in the Eden Valley. Thoughtful winemaking. Unquestioned intensity.

This Maverick Trial Hill Grenache 2012 is ambitious too. From the outset the ripeness is very apparent too, the fruit baked and warm, oak playing it’s hand in the mix with old coffee and brick dust. It doesn’t feel overripe, just very ripe, the stamp of warmth a final flavour. There’s pangs of Priorat in the ripe fruit profile, and I wouldn’t pick it as being 8 years old either. But I couldn’t drink it, the heavy coffeed flavour all front palate and no energy. Not unpleasant, but I wonder if less would have been more. Still impressed at the decadence. Best drinking: nowish, although it’s not going to fall over. 17.5/20, 91/100. 16%, $120. Would I buy it? I can’t justify the dollars but admire it aplenty.