The Dandelion Treasure Trove of McLaren Vale Grenache 2022 originates from the Firehawk Farm, a biodynamically managed vineyard situated atop a historic ridge that overlooks McLaren Vale, the Willunga escarpment, and the Gulf St Vincent. Firehawk, a native bird of prey, gracefully patrols our vineyards, warding off birds, rabbits, and other grape-hungry creatures.

In early March, selected bunches were carefully handpicked by a team of family and friends. Two thirds of the fruit underwent gentle crushing over whole bunches in open top fermenters. After a seven-day fermentation period, the wine was delicately basket pressed into French oak barrels—some new, others seasoned. It matured for 16 months with minimal intervention to preserve the vineyard's essence before bottling. This wine promises to age beautifully and benefits from decanting before serving.

Colour
Through a glass, darkly, but there is a bright light.

Nose
More dark berries and forest fruits rather than the bubble gum red lolly fruits of some grenache. Dry
herbs and some bay leaf; some licorice and some violets. The aromatics are savoury, but grenache’s innate generosity does come through, with a hint of the floral and confectionary aromatics so typical of the grape. Playfully grown-up.

Palate
A wholesome palate without being fulsome; there’s a balance between acid and fruit. Hints of luxury, as if one is staring into an otherwise unaffordable jeweller’s window, yet you walk by made more alive and alert. This is a clean red wine, with the texture taking a more reserved role. Glimpses of bright and wonderful blackberry,
cherry and plum fruits shine out at the wine’s end.

Drink
Grenache’s cheerfulness is always an ideal foil for spicy and peppery foodstuffs. Chorizo - perfect. A fish stew tinctured with a knife-point of chilli - perfect. Tagine, of course.

Alc/Vol: 14.0%