(2023) Made by Yalumba since the early 1990s, there are vine components here from plantings that span 1929 to 1972, the average age of vines around 50 years old. It comes from a smaller than average vintage, the wine matured for six months in older French puncheons and in French, Hungarian and American hogsheads. It's a Grenache in a relatively pale-coloured and Pinot-like style (though with 14.5% alcohol it's no lightweight). Roasted chestnuts, truffle and mint spice lead the aromatics, fragrant almost lavender notes, then a melange of black and red fruits. In the mouth there's an espresso-like depth to this, so creamy and full-textured, but the nipping spices and acidity give lovely balance. The fruit is generous, melting into those mocha coffee notes in the finish. Big scaled but with a soft side, and could be a Christmas dinner wine. Watch the video for more information.
