I was fortunate enough a few years ago to sit with Steve Webber and Leanne De Bortoli in their back garden when Steve told me how excited he was about the future of Grenache for Heathcote (pronounced Heath-cut, not Heath-coat…I went to primary school there for a while). This new range for De Bortoli is Steve continuing on the journey with what can be done with Grenache. I reckon Steve would look alright in a cape.

Made with “lots of whole bunches” and lots of whole bunches the wine spent 15 days on skins and then maturation for 10 months in larger wooden casks to enhance the fruit.

De Bortoli, Grenache Wizardry, Grenache, Heathcote, 2018

Medium-deep garnet from core to rim. Punchy and spicy aromas, ripe strawberry and glossy black cherry with light choc/licorice bullets, some meaty smoky beef, earthy root vegetables and cooling stone. Medium-full bodied, smooth with slightly sappy, chewy tannin. It’s camped in the dark arts (savoury end) of the Grenache spectrum but holds a core of illuminating bright, dark fruit.

RRP: $23
Alc: 14.8%
Rating: 17.5/20 (90/100)

Wine sample courtesy of De Bortoli