International Grenache Day was on September 20th. Unfortunately, I didn’t get to the exceptional array of wines the team at Yalumba sent through for the occasion. But that doesn’t matter, because I’d prefer to give continual focus to these exceptional wines they produce rather than one big hit on one day. Which brings us to this unique offering. Only 1 hectare of Grenache Blanc among the many Grenache Noir of Yalumba’s Tri-Centenary vineyard, and only the 2nd vintage released. Winemaker is Sam Wigan.

Yalumba, Vine Vale, Grenache Blanc, Barossa Valley, 2024

Very pale lemon with a soft green highlight. White nectarine stone fruit, with florals of white rose heart and jasmine, crayons and candle wax, lychee, almond meal, lemon shortbread and pear juice. Robust and medium weight palate. Studded with florals, pear flesh and stone fruit, waxy lemon, tobacco punctuated by some bright acidity through a just-medium finish.

RRP: $35
Alc: 12%
Rating: 89/100

Wine sample courtesy of Yalumba