Aces & Arrows is a side project for the Pernod Ricard winemakers. Each maker gets to have a hands on role in the whole creative process. Okay, let’s move past the fact that this ‘new release’ is almost 5 years old, and comes from Winemaker Mick. A mix of small open fermenters of stainless steel and French Oak, some whole bunch parcels, some portions left on skins for 70 days. Finally 60% of the base wines were matured for ~8 months in old French Oak puncheons (500L) and hogs-heads (300L). The rest matured in stainless steel.

Aces & Arrows, Grenache, Barossa Valley, 2019

Medium garnet in colour. Smells a little tired on the nose. There’s plenty of fruit: raspberry and blackberry, alongside sandy soil, coffee ice cream with choc wafers, sun dried tomato, licorice, brown spices, umami secondary tones and bramble. The palate feels a little tired and waxy. The fruit is there but missing any vibrancy or life. Secondary umami notes are starting to sneak through the primary red fruit with a finish of soft char. Serve up with plenty of your favourite bbq meats and drink now.

RRP: $30
Alc: 14.7%
Rating: 87/100
Wine sample courtesy of Pernod Ricard and Liquid Ideas