The 2021 season in South Australia, and specifically here in McLaren Vale, was sensational. Cool, long and even, the season gifted the producers/growers sunshine, long days and pleasant nights in abundance. I expected very fine, lithe, almost lacy wines as a result, but I think you know what they say about "assume." This 2021 Blewitt Springs Grenache feels very ripe in the mouth (despite the relative 14.6% alcohol on the label) and is laden with hoisin, star anise, clove, aniseed/arnica, roast beef and pomegranate molasses. The finish slopes off to mulberry compote and cherry kirsch, which is where it feels very (sun) ripe to me. All in all, this is a surprisingly big Grenache, with power to spare. It will benefit from a decant—it already looks better after 10 minutes in the glass. The lingering aftertaste is of red snakes. Sealed under Diam.

The 2020 Blewitt Springs Grenache is perfumed, spicy, attractive... incredible. It’s long and plush, but the skeleton of tannins shows the longevity and precision of the style. There are notes of clove bud, raspberry pip, licorice, silty tannin and loads of exotic spice. And very fine saline acidity. I don’t talk much about acidity in these wines, but it pulses through the fruit and tannic framework… there’s blood and rose petals. I love this mightily.

The full-bodied, expansive 2016 Blewitt Springs Grenache is a mouthfilling explosion of black cherries, blueberries and more, all underscored by delicate herbal tracings, refreshing acids and a tannic backbone that suggests it will have an ample life in the cellar. It's bigger but at the same time less textural than the Kangarilla, with an almost crisp, mouthwatering finish.

Pale ruby/purple, the 2012 Blewitt Springs Grenache has a lovely nose of warm red currants, red plums and cherry compote with lavender, roses and an anise undercurrent. Full-bodied and rich, the palate has chewy tannins, a great acid line and sour cherry flavors. It has a long and earthy finish.

Dark and spicy, a bit chalky in texture but brimming with blueberry, cherry, floral and pepper flavors, lingering easily against sleek tannins. Finishes long. Drink now through 2019. 250 cases imported.??–HS??Region: Australia / Clarendon Select to Add