Jay here! The next instalment of our Thank Me Later wine is based around one of my absolute favourite grapes to drink and recommendāGrenache. We have two stunning wines to share with you at an insane price, but first, let me tell you a little bit more about why we adore Grenache and later, why this offer is so unique!
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Grenache arrived in Australia from Southern France in the 1830s and thrived in the hot, dry climate. Its ability to ripen easily, combined with naturally low acidity and tannins, made it the perfect grape for fortified wines, leading to its dominance as Australiaās most-planted red variety 75 years ago. However, times have changed, and today, Grenache makes up less than 2% of vineyard plantings. What sets Australian Grenache apart is its vinesāwhile phylloxera wiped out ancient plantings in Europe, South Australiaās strict quarantine measures protected its vineyards, allowing some of the world's oldest, continuously producing Grenache vines to survive in McLaren Vale and the Barossa Valley.
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Grenacheās modern revival can be traced back to 2011, when an unusually cool and wet vintage led winemakers to pick it earlier than usual. Traditionally left until last in favour of more āprestigiousā varieties, the earlier-harvested fruit revealed unexpected elegance, aromatics and structure. This shift, combined with access to extraordinary old-vine fruit, has inspired a new wave of winemakingāless oak, more whole-bunch fermentation and the use of different vessels like concrete and ceramic. The result? Lighter, perfumed and complex expressions of Grenache that drink beautifully now and have the potential to age gracefully.
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I have two really different version of this intriguing grape variety to share with you. One from a super interesting high altitude granitic vineyard in the Ferguson Valley and the other coming from some one of the oldest Grenache vineyards in the world.Ā
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The kicker? Both of these wines are from wineries or vineyards that for various reasons will not be produced again and as a result we'll we offering both of these wines for over 50% off while the final stocks are still available! Please note this is a PRE-ORDER, wines should be ready in the next fortnight.Ā
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Usually the identity of ourĀ Thank Me Later wine hidden, but we wanted to share the full story for these wines.
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We recently discovered this wine and absolutely fell in love with its balance, elegance and complexity. Hailing from Vine Vale, this Grenache comes from a vineyard planted between 1860ā1880, making it one of the oldest in the world. Itās a joint project from Richard Betts (former Master Sommelier) and Carla Rza Betts (of some of NYCās most legendary restaurants and bars), who have crafted a wine we think is pure magic.
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Highly aromatic, 'Sucette' bursts with spicy cranberry and pomegranate, layered with darker, brooding notes and velvety tannins. Made with a light touchāpartial whole-cluster fermentation, gentle basket pressing and aging in old French oakāitās a masterclass in restraint and finesse.
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Sadly, Richard and Carla are calling it a day on their Australian winemaking adventure. The silver lining? Weāve secured some of their final bottles at an incredible price - RRP $59.95 down to $39.99 each, $35 in 6 or just $30 in 12. Call us CRAZY!!Ā
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This brand will be familiar to many of you. We have been fans of Nic Peterkinās L.A.S Vino wines since he first dropped through our shop with his 2013 CBDB Chenin Blanc - iconic! His ability to balance texture, fruit, tannin structure, approachability and ageabilty have often left us in awe. We have been lucky enough to do a couple of collaboration wines with him and you will always find his range of wines on our shelves.
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Today I'm sharing the latest iteration of Nicās Granite Grenache! As I'm writing this I'm swirling the current 2023 in my glass - it looks as pretty as ever. Bursting out of the glass with red liquorice, wild strawberries and crushed violets and subtle alluring spice. Super fine fruit tannins and balanced acidity have me continuing to take sip after sip. This wine is always epic but the price and imminent-extinction is whatās made me reach out.Ā
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After hearing that one of the most unique vineyards in WA was to be destroyed, Nic endeavoured to make one final wine to truly express the magic of the siteāand thank goodness he did. This special final release from the best parcels of fruit is a stand out. Crafted from bush-vines grown in granite rock at 300m elevation in the Ferguson valley, the Grenache was fermented for 100 days on skins to build weight and complexity before gently pressing to large format oak and amphorae for maturation.
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We'll be sad to see this wine go, but again, very happy to pass on such an amazing special. RRP $64.95 down to $39.99 each, $35 in 6 or just $30 in 12.
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We hope you enjoy these two, now extinct, Grenache beauties!!Ā
