2021 Frederick Stevenson Hongell Grenache
WINEMAKER: Steve Crawford
VARIETAL: Grenache
REGION: Barossa Valley, SA
VITICULTURE: Organic
"Barossa Valley -> Sub region Krondorf - Hongell family... ~90 year old vines. Dark cracking Biscay Clay. Un cert organic grown. Low yields again... > 50% reduction in yield off of the same area.... Around 30% whole bunch natural ferments, aged in puncheons (500L) for 9 months, 1 month in stainless prior to bottle. I wish there was more of this wine... 2022 looks like it’ll be better fruiting and great growing season for it thus far.....
2021s milder growing season has lead to an amazing bouquet on the nose - sweet scented with plenty of intrigue behind it. Roses, raspberries, chocolate raspberry bullets, cherries, strawberries, kirsch, mulberries w amaro-ish characters in the background - burnt orange peel, herbal and spice... The palate follows the lead of the nose, brimming with fresh fruits, with a touch of the whole bunch fruit spice and astringency which closes out on a cracking acid backbone with more skin / drying / dusty tannins and amaro characters lingering."
Steve Crawford started his Barossa label under the pseudonym of Frederick Stevenson whilst working at a larger winery. One of the nicest guys in wine that continues to impress each and every year.