A progressive take on a French classic, Noir brings Grenache together with its lesser-known red partners, Carignan, Cinsault and Counoise, in a celebration of the southern Rhône on our estate. Lifted fragrance, with bright flavours and vibrant acidity, this wine shows these ancient newcomers also thrive in our elevated corner of McLaren Vale. 

2020 Noir Grenache is the emerging hero variety of McLaren Vale. Traditional blends of Grenache from our region generally focus on the varieties Grenache (G), Shiraz (S) and Mourvèdre (M), and thus the term “GSM”. In 2008, we began planting a few obscure Southern Rhône and Priorat varieties in pursuit of producing a traditional old-world Grenache blend. Many of these varieties, including Grenache, have a blanc (white), gris (grey) and noir (black) expression of the variety, which lead to calling this wine the Noir.

Vintage Summary

The 2020 growing season began with an extremely hot spring, resulting in the lowest yields on record. Luckily, as the grapes started their ripening process, the weather cooled to one of the mildest ripening seasons to date resulting in wonderful concentration of flavour, retention of natural acidity, brightness of fruit, and above all, beautiful finesse and balanced tannins. Although the devastating bushfires ravaged vast areas of Australia, McLaren Vale was fortunately spared, and our vineyards were unaffected by smoke taint.

Winemaking

Each grape variety was handled seperately until final blending to allow each variety to best exhibit its unique characteristics. Destemmed and mechanically sorted. 50% whole berries. Cold Soak. Open fermenters. 14-18 days on skins with a very gentle maceration. Wild yeast ferment. Kept on lees in 100% older French oak for 6 months. Bottled November 2020.

Variety

45% Grenache, 19% Mourvédre, 19% Carignan, 12% Shiraz, 4% Cinsaut, 1% Counoise

Alc/Vol: 14.0%