2002 Kalleske Old Vines Grenache

An outstanding Grenache that has enormous concentration and power. This is by no means the wimpy raspberry juice that is often passed off as old vines Grenache but a monument to the variety on a par with Clarendon Hills Romas. The wine has spent 20 months in American oak hogsheads. Opaque black crimson colour with black purple hue. Aroma of coffee, raspberry concentrate, liquorice, coffee essence and prune juice. Mouthfilling palate with flavours of coffee essence, raspberry, spice and black pepper. Outstanding length and depth, fine grained tannins. Aftertaste of prunes and liquorice allsorts.
Cellar 5-8 years (2009-2012)
Alc/Vol: 15.5%
Rating: 98/100
Value: XXXXX/5

Robert Parker's Review
A total whore of a wine (I mean that in a good sense) is the 2002 Grenache Old Vine. Made from 69-year-old vines planted in sandy soils, aged in a combination of new and old French and American wood, and cropped at 1.5 tons of fruit per acre, the vintage’s cool drought conditions have resulted in a magnificent wine that represents the nectar of Grenache. Dense ruby/purple-colored with spectacular concentration in addition to sweet blackberry, kirsch, raspberry, pepper, and flower characteristics, this magnificently concentrated, full-bodied 2002 takes Barossa Grenache to new heights.
(Notes sourced from Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate #155)
ROBERT PARKER'S RATING: 97 points