New(ish) range from Jacob’s Creek. With 4 varieties in the range: Chardonnay, Grenache, Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon. The latter two yet to be released.

The A.J. range is named after Ann Jacob, one of the early pioneers of the Barossa who grew vegetables, fruits and importantly vines in the 1840s, along with her brother William, on their property at Rowland Flat. Made by Trina Smith.

Jacob’s Creek, A.J., Grenache, Barossa, 2019

Easy ruby to garnet colour with a somewhat clear heart. Floral and lifted: fresh rosemary, licorice, raspberry, bramble, cabbage rose and earthy pink salt. Satin gossamer palate with plenty of big red berry fruit flavours. Grainy, tight tannins give a gritty finish while there’s a sneaky spike of heat through the tail that thins things out. All a bit jumpy: not quite a cohesive flow at the moment, perhaps a little time in bottle will calm things down.

RRP: $30
Alc: 14.6%
Rating: 17.25/20 (89/100)

Wine sample courtesy of Jacob’s Creek and Liquid Ideas