2022 Les Fruits Tullah Grenache

WINEMAKER: Tim Stock
REGION: McLaren Vale, SA
VARIETY: Grenache
VITICULTURE: Organic/Biodynamic

70+ year old Grenache on deep sand just below Blewitt Springs. Fermented gently with a good proportion of whole bunches. Pressed to old oak to rest on fine lees for 11 months.

Deep cherry red with a softness from a little cloudiness. The nose follows on nicely from the 2021 and the 2023 in barrel is looking very similar, three cooler years I guess. Delicate pink florals, ripe berry fruits – black raspberry and red currant – with penetrating spice and some more savoury earthy tones. Overall looking pretty complex and showing some evolution already. The palate is a little more open compared with 2021 but still with those big tannins that trademark Tullah. On the first taste the grainy tannins really frame the palate leaving the flavours behind but on subsequent tastes the warm ripe raspberry fruits wash across the palate with further tension added by the lovely mineral acidity. Like the 2021 this will be interesting to see how it evolves with more bottle time but would benefit from food.

Tim Stock is an all-time favourite here at Spon; not just as an industry leader, but a human being. An award-winning somm, renowned importer (very much responsible for introducing us all to Georgian wine) and talented winemaker, producing savoury, terroir-driven wines that truly speak of place.