$30.00
Graciano is a Spanish varietal grown primarily in the Rioja region. After some research David Paxton decided to graft one row of Graciano onto some old Chardonnay vines at Thomas Block to see what the result would be. When you try this wine, we think you will agree that the variety is well suited to the conditions of McLaren Vale.
Lighter in body with distinct savoury and white pepper characters filled out with bright red fruits. Light tannins make this wine ready to drink young, although cellaring potential is in the medium term.
94/100 Wine Orbit NZ
94/100 Wine Orbit NZ
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Sam Kim, 2021
Variety: | Graciano |
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100%: | Organic | Biodynamic |
Region: | McLaren Vale |
Vineyard: | Thomas Block |
Colour: | Bright purple with a violet hue |
Aroma: | A deliciously bright bouquet of red berries and lavender with white pepper adding and element of spice |
Palate: | Medium-bodied style with strawberry, cranberry, licorice and baking spice. The natural acidity of Graciano gives a fresh, mouth-watering finish |
Drink With: | Curries or spicy Asian style dishes |
Cellaring: | A fantastic wine to drink when young, however careful cellaring of 5-15 years will be rewarded |
Vintage: | 2020 posed many challenges throughout Australia. Another intense drought year through the growing season was followed by one of the most devastating bushfire seasons this country has ever seen. Fortunately McLaren Vale was largely unaffected by this devastation and the early signs indicate 2020 to be a very special vintage; one to savour. Moderate weather throughout the harvest period, combined with lower yields allowed the flavours to develop harmoniously and in balance. Varietal expression was excellent with the wines showing intense flavour without excessive tannin or alcohol. Tempranillo and Graciano are showing lovely bright fruit and pepper characters and it will be intriguing to see how they develop after time in bottle. |
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Vinification: | Selector harvested at optimum sugar and flavour balance. The whole berries were tipped into an open fermenter. Cool ferment temperatures and gentle hand-plunging helped capture the character of the vineyard and allowed the fermentation to continue for 21 days. When fermentation was complete, the grapes were pressed to French oak barriques, of which 10% were new, for 7 months prior to blending and bottling. |
Alcohol: | 14.0%` |
Winemaker: | Kate Goodman and Dwayne Cunningham |
Gorgeously ripe and perfumed, showing black/blueberry, floral, anise and roasted nut characters with a hint of vanilla. It's wonderfully flavoursome on the palate displaying excellent weight and roundness together with velvety texture and refined tannins. At its best: now to 2030.
Weight | 1.33 kg |
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