1998 Clarendon Hills Blewitt Springs Vineyard Old Vines Grenache

Grenache is one of those relatively low pigment varietals that does not always produce the deepest of colour hues. Medium bodied, despite its 15% Alcohol Volume; crimson colour. The nose displays smokey raspberry aromas with a hint of tarriness and an added smokey end note. On the palate there is a touch of leather and again the smokey raspberry flavours are dominant. Fine, firmish tannins with warm back palate, followed by smokey raspberry, spice and liquorice finish. The palate structure was a good deal lighter than one normally expects and gets from Clarendon Hills reds. Cellar 5 - 6 years.

Retasted: 17th march 2000

Deep crimson colour with mauve edges. Delightful aroma of spice, strawberry, hints of game followed by a liquorice end note. Full bodied palate structure with flavours of rich ripe raspberries, spice and liquorice, showing considerable complexity, followed by a fine very dry gripping tannin structure that lingers long into the aftertaste. Cellar 4-5 years.