YALUMBA | Barossa | Bush Vine Grenache | 2018
grenache

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Tonight we are going to review a single-varietal grenache wine, sourced from old bush vines from the famous Barossa Valley region of South Australia – Barossa Bush Vine Grenache 2018 by Yalumba. Until recently, grenache has been ignored in much of the world, even though it is the grape variety that is responsible for two of the world’s more famous red wines: Châteauneuf-du-Pape and a more recent star Priorat. The main two reasons of the world’s ignorance towards this grape variety was that grenache tends to be over-productive when poorly managed and hence, it was widely planted in hot regions where cheap bulk wine was the main target (mostly in northern Spain, where it is known as garnacha), in fact it was the second most planted grape variety in the world after the infamous airén. But, if carefully managed, garnacha can produce very intense, vibrant and expressive red wines, which was showcased by the famous Priorat wines, made of grapes that are sourced from old bush grenache vines. With its upright growth and strong, sturdy trunk, grenache is well suited to being grown as a water-seeking bush vine in hot and windy regions. Its only disadvantage being its predilection to set relatively little fruit, which, of course, means all the more flavour in the grapes that remain. This wine is a textbook, old bush (35+ years) grenache wine from a warm, maritime climate. The majority of grapes were fully destemmed, however for some the stems were left on to contribute another flavour dimension to the final wine, which was aged for 6 months in american, french and hungarian oak barrels. That said and without further ado, let’s take a look at the wine tasting results.
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Take a look at the tasting notes below and our detailed assessment of the wine:

//Visual
colour: pale & transparent copper color
clarity: hazy & noble copper shades

//Olfactory
intensity: pronounced & expressive
fruit character: ripe & dehydrated

On the first nose, this wine presents a delightful olfactory experience. The ripe and dehydrated fruit character immediately captures your attention, with a charming interplay of red fruits and dried herbs in the foreground. As you delve deeper into the bouquet, the oak notes gracefully emerge, lending a subtle backdrop with earthy hints. This wine strikes a harmonious balance between its fruity and herbal elements, making it a well-rounded and inviting choice for any wine enthusiast.

//Palate
sweetness: dry | acidity: medium+ | alcohol: high | tannin: low | balance: good
finish: medium+ | aftertaste: bitter-seedy

On the palate, this wine delivers a fascinating journey for the senses. It’s dominated by dehydrated black fruits and earthy notes, which provide a robust and slightly heady body. The mouthfeel is well-balanced with crisp acidity and smooth tannins, but there’s also a noticeable touch of alcoholic warmth that adds depth. The finish lingers with a pleasantly bitter-seedy aftertaste, creating a complex and intriguing profile. This wine, with its medium body and supple texture, offers a satisfying and approachable experience for those who appreciate a well-structured red.

//Verdict
maturity: in its prime| drink now or within the next 2 years
verdict: fine | highly recommended | a wine of premium quality with good potential

All in all, this is an expressive and supple wine, showcasing a generous array of flavors and a nicely structured profile. The ripe and dehydrated fruit character with red fruits, dried herbs and subtle oak nuances, paves the way for a compelling experience. This is a this terroir-driven grenache wine with an appealingly-seedy mouthfeel – a wine that in its current state lacks some of the harmony and finesse one might desire. Nonetheless, with potential for further refinement, it remains a wine with intriguing possibilities for the future.

//Scoring
YALUMBA | Barossa | Bush Vine Grenache | 2018
variety: grenache
country: Australia
region: Barossa Valley
rating: 93.8
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This is definitely a fine wine of Australia and, with a total of 93.8 points scored, this wine is right there, among the best wines we’ve rated so far. Check our complete database on the wine rating page, where you can find all the wines that we have tasted and reviewed or go to the about us page and find out more about our exquisite rating system.

Pairing: Judging by the wine’s expressive and nicely structured flavour profile, it would pair beautifully with a dish that complements its characteristics. We would recommend serving it alongside a hearty roasted vegetable lasagna. The dehydrated black fruits and earthy notes in the wine would harmonize wonderfully with the layers of roasted eggplant, bell peppers and tomatoes in the lasagna. In the same key, the supple and ample body of the wine will hold its own against the richness of the dish, while the appealingly seedy finish will add an extra layer of complexity to the meal. This pairing creates a satisfying combination that allows both the wine and the food to shine without overshadowing each other. Cheers!

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© The WineStatistics ratings are based solely on our own knowledge of the world of wine and on our personal wine tastes, which may, or may not, differ from yours – the reader. Just remember that there are no absolutes of right and wrong in wine appreciation.