James Scarcebrook taking fruit from the Chalmers family’s Heathcote (Victoria) vineyard. Here is his first attempt at the somewhat notorious Sagrantino. 100% de-stemmed fruit (No need for those pesky stem/stalk tannins here) and then matured in old barriques (four French and two Hungarian).
Give me sight and barren breast
Pure snow and happiness
Give me time, give me peace
And I will prove my release
Vino Intrepido, Sacred + Profane, Sagrantino, Heathcote, 2020
Brooding and earthy dark fruit nose: plum pudding and peel, dark chocolate ganache, sage leaf and bloody venison/kangaroo meaty depth. The old oak manages to tame the beast a little, and what’s left is a textural, grippy, tannic thing with ripe, bright fruit and plenty of personality. Just missing a focus of fruit through the finish as a minor quibble.
RRP: $32.99
Alc: 14.5%
Rating: 17.5/20 (90/100)
Wine sample courtesy Vino Intrepido
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