2024 VINTAGE SUMMARY
The growing season experienced a normal wet winter followed by a picturesque dry spring. The weather patterns indicated a shift from La Niña towards El Niño, usually favouring drier and hotter conditions. In these warmer seasons, we adjust our vineyard practices to encourage healthy canopy and adequate fruit development. With the help of mother nature and the unexpected high summer rainfall in December and January, it resulted in larger bunches and consistent berry development. Warm conditions prevailed through February and early March, promoting ripening of flavours and sugars with the balance we were aiming for. The warmth led to an intense couple of weeks, during which we harvested the majority of the grapes. The 2024 vintage offered great consistency across varieties showcasing purity alongside intensity.
Sourced exclusively from Block 31 (1.7 Ha). At 210m
elevation, this is the highest section of the 1946 planted bush vine Grenache, which also has the deepest sandy soil. Hand-picked 8th March. For the first time, a 100% whole bunch fermentation contributes 15% to the final blend. The remainder is selectively sorted in the winery, destemmed with 50% whole berries retained. Wild yeast fermented in ceramic egg and small 1 tonne open top stainless-steel fermenters with a long and gentle maceration for a minimum of 30 days. A portion remained on skins for approximately 45 days post fermentation. No pressings are used in this wine. Matured on lees in both older, thick stave Austrian puncheon and ceramic eggs before final blending to predominantly ceramic eggs. Bottled February 2025. Certified Organic / Biodynamic.
Erin Larkin, Robert Parker Wine Advocate
2024 vintage
The 2024 High Sands Grenache includes a little component of whole bunches for the first time. This component was vinified as 100% whole bunch, and this was added incrementally until the desired outcome was achieved—the total was only around 10% in the end. For me, the nose is fresher and more fragrant, the palate has more capaciousness, and the perfume translates with seamlessness and eloquence on the palate. The oak component is invisible (perhaps just a factor of the fruit character of the year, as the proportion of "new" or "how much" has not changed), and the fruit is a product of the sensational 2024 vintage. Wow. This is an important evolution in the history of this great wine, and while not all are developments that a (any) winemaker may choose, this one is both obvious and genius. This is an unbelievable wine. This is inherently McLaren Vale, which is emerging as a unique proposition in the global realm of fine Grenache. 14% alcohol, sealed under screw cap. Drink 2025-2054.
- 99 points
September, 2025
