Willunga 100 'Smart Vineyard' Grenache 2022
The grapes for the Willunga 100 'Smart Vineyard' Clarendon Grenache were sourced from the one hectare vineyard planted by Bernard Smart’s father in 1922 on loamy soils over red-brown clay. Only two growers - one of which is Willunga 100 - take fruit off this block, while others take fruit off his 60 and 70 year old vineyards about 400 metres to the north. This is the highest and coolest site in McLaren Vale. As a result, the wines are slightly lighter and more lifted than those made from grapes grown in other sub regions. The grapes were hand harvested, destemmed and whole berry sorted into open top stainless steel fermenters. The whole berry ferment spent 10 days on skins, during which time it was gently plunged to ensure optimum extraction while maintaining the delicate aromatics. The wine was then basket pressed off of skins before maturation and malolactic fermentation on lees to retain fruit purity and freshness. It was aged on its lees for 12 months prior to bottling. The Willunga 100 'Smart Vineyard' Grenache displays a layered and floral nose of fresh lavender, Thai basil, blood orange and red cherry. The palate has a beautiful structure balanced with a bright pomegranate-like acidity, Chinese five spice and a lingering savoury finish.
