Project Description
OLD BUSH VINE GRENACHE
Old Bush Vine Grenache is made from a single block of old Grenache bush vines on the De Fazio Vineyard, planted in the early 1900s. The grapes from these vines are low yielding, producing intensely flavoured fruit.
Fermentation is warm in open-top fermenters, with hand plunging and pump-overs twice daily. After basket pressing, the wine is matured for 24 months in seasoned hogsheads prior to bottling.
An intense, rich and robust Barossa Grenache with plenty of varietal flavours of ripe red raspberry, this harmonious, solid-structure wine will develop further in the bottle with cellaring.
VINTAGES
GROWING SEASON
2018 vintage was superb. Winter was slightly wetter than average getting the vines off to a brilliant start leading them into Spring which was warmer and drier than average. Rain in early December refreshed the vines and ensured they remained strong and healthy for the overall dry and hot Summer. Autumn also remained dry with perfect Autumnal temperatures leading into harvest. The 2018 yields are good and the quality is excellent, a classic Barossa vintage.
VINEYARD
The Old Bush Vine Grenache is made from a 4-acre single vineyard block planted in the early 1900s. These vines are dry-grown, producing grapes of intense favour. The vineyard soil on the block is shallow sand over sandstone at the top end of the block, with sandy loamy soil over red clay at the bottom end of the block. Yields are about 1 to 1.5 tons to the acre.
WINE MAKING
2018 Old Bush Vine Grenache was hand picking on April 4th, grapes were gently de-stemmed into small open-top fermenters. The must was warmly fermented using native yeast and gentle hand pump overs were carried out twice a day for flavour and colour extraction. After fermentation on skins for fourteen days the must was traditionally pressed and then filled to barrel. The wine was matured in seasoned French oak hogsheads for 24 months prior to bottling.
TASTING NOTES
2018 Old Vine Bush Grenache is deep purple in colour. Instantly exuding its varietal brightness, there are aromas of rose, musk, raspberry, choc mint and licorice. These inviting aromatics lead to a full bodied palate. Juicy red berry fruits dominate along with fresh plum and crunchy blackberry. Natural tannins are evident adding structure but are extremely fine and well integrated. The pure fruit is respected with seasoned barrel maturation adding harmony. Very smooth overall with a clean lingering finish, this is a stylish wine. This distinguished Grenache is a must have, drinks well now but is ideally suited for serious cellaring
GROWING SEASON
The 2017 season was stunning. The vines got off to a fantastic start with a wetter than average Winter and mild Spring. Summer brought typically average warm conditions with some excellent rainfall, twice the average. This kept the vines in superb condition for steady ripening into Autumn which remained dry with warm sunny days and cool nights. Yields from 2017 are good and quality is exceptional.
VINEYARD
The Old Bush Vine Grenache is made from a 4-acre single vineyard block planted in the early 1900s. These vines are dry-grown, producing grapes of intense favour. The vineyard soil on the block is shallow sand over sandstone at the top end of the block, with sandy loamy soil over red clay at the bottom end of the block. Yields are about 1 to 1.5 tons to the acre.
WINE MAKING
2017 Old Bush Vine Grenache was hand picking on April 28th, grapes were gently de-stemmed into small open-top fermenters. The must was warmly fermented using native yeast and gentle hand pump overs were carried out twice a day for flavour and colour extraction. After fermentation on skins for fourteen days the must was traditionally pressed and then filled to barrel. The wine was matured in seasoned French oak hogsheads for 24 months prior to bottling.
TASTING NOTES
2017 Old Bush Vine Grenache maroon in colour. The aromas are elated, erupting with pronounced old vine Grenache varietal characters of heritage rose potpourri, musk, ripe raspberry and a hint of choc mint. The full bodied palate is bursting with pure fruits. Very juicy with loads of intensity the plush fruit flavours are flanked with gentle natural tannins adding definition and structure. The seasoned oak maturation has given utmost courtesy to the incredible old vine fruit quality. A lengthy finish is an understatement, with the varietal purity almost endless. Harmony and stylish fruit are the hallmarks of this wine. This distinguished Grenache drinks well now but is ideally suited for cellaring.
GROWING SEASON
2016 was hot and dry resulting in grapes ripening earlier than average. Winter and Spring rainfall was down by 38% whilst growing season temperatures were up by 3 degrees. Some welcome rain came at the end of January refreshing the vines and giving them good moisture to ripen to maturity. Yields from 2016 are solid and importantly quality is stunning. 2016 is certainly a star vintage with bright intense wines of great flavour intensity and inherent balance.
VINEYARD
The Old Bush Vine Grenache is made from a 4-acre single vineyard block planted in the early 1900s. These vines are dry-grown, producing grapes of intense favour. The vineyard soil on the block is shallow sand over sandstone at the top end of the block, with sandy loamy soil over red clay at the bottom end of the block. Yields are about 1 to 1.5 tons to the acre.
WINE MAKING
2016 Old Bush Vine Grenache was hand picking on April 7th, grapes were gently de-stemmed into small open-top fermenters. The must was warmly fermented using native yeast and gentle hand pump overs were carried out twice a day for flavour and colour extraction. After fermentation on skins for fourteen days the must was traditionally pressed and then filled to barrel. The wine was matured in seasoned French oak hogsheads for 24 months prior to bottling.
TASTING NOTES
2016 Old Bush Vine Grenache is rich purple-red in colour. There is a very lifted aroma of enticing musk, rose, clove spice, dark cherry and a hint of choc mint. The very inviting aromatics lead to a full-bodied, rich and rounded palate. Flavours are ripe, intense, robust and smartly fruit driven displaying unmistakable varietal Grenache character of sweet plum, blackberry and licorice. Natural tannins are evident adding structure but are extremely fine and well integrated. Maturation in seasoned oak has given added depth but importantly allowed the fruit to be foremost. Very smooth and harmonious a very long finish of varietal purity completes this stylish wine. This distinguished Grenache drinks well now but is ideally suited for serious cellaring.
GROWING SEASON
2015 produced excellent wines. It began with a wet Winter followed by a very dry growing season with less than half the average rainfall. Spring was warmer than average leading to an earlier bud burst and early vintage. Summer brought average temperatures, ensuring the dry conditions were not stressful to the vines, and a slow even ripening ensued. Quality is brilliant, certainly one of the highlights in recent years.
VINEYARD
The Old Bush Vine Grenache is made from a 4-acre single vineyard block planted in the early 1900s. These vines are dry-grown, producing grapes of intense favour. The vineyard soil on the block is shallow sand over sandstone at the top end of the block, with sandy loamy soil over red clay at the bottom end of the block. Yields are about 1 to 1.5 tons to the acre.
WINE MAKING
2015 Old Bush Vine Grenache was hand picking on April 9th, grapes were gently de-stemmed into small open-top fermenters. The must was warmly fermented using native yeast and gentle hand pump overs were carried out twice a day for flavour and colour extraction. After fermentation on skins for fourteen days the must was traditionally pressed and then filled to barrel. The wine was matured in seasoned French oak hogsheads for 24 months prior to bottling.
TASTING NOTES
2015 Old Bush Vine Grenache is deep red-purple in colour. The aroma is alluring with dark cherry, potpourri, mixed spice, musk, choc mint and raspberry. The palate is generous and mouth-filling. It is full-bodied displaying classic varietal Grenache characters. Fruity raspberry and licorice is balanced by a fine line of defined tannins adding a strong backbone. It is ripe in flavour with bright acid adding balance and the depth is outstanding. A lengthy finish completes this complex and pure wine. This distinguished Grenache drinks well now but is ideally suited cellaring.
GROWING SEASON
2014 was an excellent year. The wines from 2014 are strong with deep and vibrant colour, excellent fruit definition and solid but integrated tannin structure ensuring longevity for the wines. The 2014 growing season began with slightly above average Winter rainfall however Spring and early Summer were very dry with 40% less rain than normal. Temperatures were also up with the Spring/Summer growing season being an average of 2 degrees C warmer. However, this dry and warm season changed dramatically in mid February with 100mm of rain falling, the wettest February day in 45 years. The rain slowed the ripening of the grapes considerably, but average mild temperatures followed in March (25.7 degrees C) which ensured good flavour and moderate sugar development producing outstanding quality.
VINEYARD
The Old Bush Vine Grenache is made from a 4-acre single vineyard block planted in the early 1900s. These vines are dry-grown, producing grapes of intense favour. The vineyard soil on the block is shallow sand over sandstone at the top end of the block, with sandy loamy soil over red clay at the bottom end of the block. Yields are about 1 to 1.5 tons to the acre.
WINE MAKING
2014 Old Bush Vine Grenache was hand picking on April 11th, grapes were gently de-stemmed into small open-top fermenters. The must was warmly fermented using native yeast and gentle hand pump overs were carried out twice a day for flavour and colour extraction. After fermentation on skins for fourteen days the must was traditionally pressed and then filled to barrel. The wine was matured in seasoned French oak hogsheads for 24 months prior to bottling.
TASTING NOTES
2014 Old Bush Vine Grenache is deep red in colour. A very lifted nose displays strong varietal aromatics of rose perfume, clove spice, musk and raspberry, as well as mint, chocolate and a touch of herbs. The palate is full-flavoured. Ripe and juicy with raspberry, cherry and a hint of licorice. There are super-fine natural tannins adding structure and poise. Harmony and purity of fruit are the hallmarks of this wine, completed by a lengthy finish. This distinguished Grenache drinks well now but is ideally suited for serious cellaring.
GROWING SEASON
2013 was a great quality year. However, yields were very low as a result of a very dry season, with less than half the normal growing season rainfall. It was also warmer than average with the dry and warm conditions resulting in vintage being three weeks earlier than normal. Importantly though, quality was amazing. Wines are rich, mouth filling and extremely lengthy.
VINEYARD
The Old Bush Vine Grenache is made from a 4-acre single vineyard block planted in the early 1900s. These vines are dry-grown, producing grapes of intense favour. The vineyard soil on the block is shallow sand over sandstone at the top end of the block, with sandy loamy soil over red clay at the bottom end of the block. Yields are about 1 to 1.5 tons to the acre.
WINE MAKING
2013 Old Bush Vine Grenache was hand picking on April 1st, grapes were gently de-stemmed into small open-top fermenters. The must was warmly fermented using native yeast and gentle hand pump overs were carried out twice a day for flavour and colour extraction. After fermentation on skins for fourteen days the must was traditionally pressed and then filled to barrel. The wine was matured in seasoned French oak hogsheads for 24 months prior to bottling.
TASTING NOTES
2013 Old Bush vine Vine Grenache is dark red burgundy in colour. The inviting nose is lifted with aromatics of rose petals, musk, raspberries, malt and sweet spice. The rich palate is mouth filling with bright varietal Grenache fruit flavours of cherry, licorice and a touch of herbs and earthiness. There are natural grainy tannins adding solid structure and longevity. A lengthy finish completes this complex wine. This distinguished Grenache drinks well now but is ideally suited for cellaring.
GROWING SEASON
Vintage 2012 was a fantastic year. The wines from 2012 are outstanding and up there with 2010 and a good vintage to have in the cellar. Vintage 2012 began with a good growing season of moderate rainfall and normal temperatures. Summer and Autumn were perfect with generally warm sunny days and only a few heat periods but nothing extreme. The weather was generally dry with an occasional shower of rain refreshing the vines and keeping things fresh. The perfect mid-high 20s weather ensured the grapes ripened steadily and evenly producing outstanding quality.
VINEYARD
The Old Bush Vine Grenache is made from a 4-acre single vineyard block planted in the early 1900s. These vines are dry-grown, producing grapes of intense favour. The vineyard soil on the block is shallow sand over sandstone at the top end of the block, with sandy loamy soil over red clay at the bottom end of the block. Yields are about 1 to 1.5 tons to the acre.
WINE MAKING
Following hand picking on April 7th, grapes were de-stemmed into an open-top fermenter. The must was warmly fermented using wild yeast hand plunging for the first 3 days and gentle hand pump-overs were carried out twice a day for flavour and colour extraction. After fermentation on skins for 10 days the must was traditionally pressed and then filled to barrel. The wine was matured in seasoned French oak hogsheads for 24 months prior to bottling.
TASTING NOTES
The Old Bush Vine Grenache 2012 is deep red purple in colour. A very lifted nose displays enticing and evolving aromatics of rose, spice, musk, clove, raspberry and hint of spice. The very inviting aromatics lead to a rich, full-bodied palate. Flavours are ripe, intense, robust and smartly fruit-driven, displaying unmistakable varietal Grenache character of ripe red raspberry, blackberry, cherry, and licorice. Natural tannins are evident, adding structure, but are extremely fine and well integrated. Very smooth and soft, a very long finish of fruit purity completes this stylish wine. This distinguished Grenache drinks well now but is ideally suited for serious cellaring.
GROWING SEASON
2007 was a drought affected vintage with a warm growing season and one of the driest winters on record. Intermittent summer rainfall refreshed the vines and enabled them to remain remarkably vibrant and take them through to ripening and harvest. The drought conditions resulted in reduced yields by about 30 percent but, importantly, quality from 2007 is very good.
VINEYARD
The Old Bush Vine Grenache is made from a 4-acre single vineyard block planted in the early 1900s. These vines are dry-grown, producing grapes of intense favour. The vineyard soil on the block is shallow sand over sandstone at the top end of the block, with sandy loamy soil over red clay at the bottom end of the block. Yields are about 1 to 1.5 tons to the acre.
WINE MAKING
Following hand picking on April 4th, grapes were de-stemmed into an open-top fermenter. The must was warmly fermented using native yeast and gentle hand pump-overs were carried out twice a day for flavour and colour extraction. After fermentation on skins for 10 days the must was traditionally pressed and then filled to barrel. The wine was matured in seasoned American and French oak hogsheads for 24 months prior to bottling.
TASTING NOTES
The Old Bush Vine Grenache 2007 is deep red in colour. A very lifted nose displays enticing and evolving aromatics of rose, spice, musk, licorice, clove, raspberry and hint of spice. The very inviting aromatics lead to a rich, full-bodied palate. Flavours are ripe, intense, robust and smartly fruit-driven, displaying unmistakable varietal Grenache character of ripe red raspberry, blackberry, cherry, and licorice. Natural tannins are evident, adding structure, but are extremely fine and well integrated. Very smooth and harmonious, a very long finish of fruit purity completes this stylish wine. This distinguished Grenache drinks well now but is ideally suited for serious cellaring.
