Clarendon Hills : Grenache Old Vines Kangarilla Vineyard 2001

The 2001s seem to be right at that magical peak. The 2001 Grenache Kangarilla Vineyard is powerful, rich, and full-bodied with plenty of black cherry, licorice, and herb characteristics. No longer the big, rich fruit bomb it was in its first 2-3 years of life, it has become very Provencal-like in its peppery spiciness. The lesson with respect to these Clarendon Hills Grenaches is to drink them during their first 6-8 years of life.

This shows a ruby-red color with slight bricking at the rim. It began a touch funky with some medicinal and burnt notes, which blew off with air, and the wine overall was absolutely delicious. Black-cherry and subtle raspberry aromas are backed by loads of underbrush, herbs, tar paper, and charred earth on the nose, leading into a balanced, medium- to full-bodied palate. Ripe and packed with sweet fruit, it delivers a silky-smooth texture, perfectly integrated tannins, vibrant acidity, and a long, enjoyable finish. Not jammy or viscous, it showed great poise, and the acidity gave the wine a precise edge.