The 2023 Paralian Marmont Vineyard Grenache is the sixth release of this single vineyard wine from the Springs sub-region.

The fruit was hand-picked and wild-fermented in a 135-year-old wax-lined concrete open fermenter, with 20% whole bunches and the remainder of the fruit destemmed as whole berries on top. Gentle cap management was employed, including daily hand plunges and occasional pump overs during the peak of fermentation over an 18-day period on skins. The whole bunches were hand-squeezed at zero Baume to release the beautiful aromatic carbonic ferment characters back into the wine. It was matured on lees for 10 months in a 17-year-old 2500L French oak foudre.

This vintage exhibits refinement, appearing even more tucked in than its predecessor, the 2022. Aromas of ripe raspberry, pink lady apple skin, Thai mint, almond husk, and white chocolate are prominent. There is a lovely ripe woody sweet spice note, likely from the lignified rachis of the whole bunch component, which also provides a delicate spine of tannin. The 2023 release showcases a bright, crisp cranberry character and an overall compactness.