2023 Jauma Lilies Old Vine Grenache

WINEMAKER: James Erskine
REGION: McLaren Vale, SA
VARIETY: Grenache
VITICULTURE: Organic

Karen and Peter Cahill have owned this site in McLaren Flat for almost 30 years. Organic viticulture guru, Fiona Wood, has consulted to them since 2017 and James has worked with the fruit from the site each year since. The site lies next to Blewitt Springs at 110 metres elevation on deep sandy soils over yellow clay. The bush vines were planted in 1940, and these days yields are a paltry 2.5 tonnes per acre. When it comes to Grenache, James seeks ultimate concentration through minimal extraction. To this end, the wine spends a long time on skins (two months) and punch downs are kept to a bare minimum. The fruit is destemmed, and the 12-month maturation takes place in puncheons. By comparison to Ralph’s Grenache, you can expect a richer expression, with deep blue fruits, lots of spice and silky weight.

James Erskine is an honours graduate in soil chemistry and celebrated sommelier. A leading light in organic farming and zero-adds wine. He also owns a certified organic cherry farm. How good.