2020 Stonegarden Field Blend Grenache
Region: Eden Valley, South Australia, Australia
Grape: 85% Grenache, 15% blend of Shiraz , Mourvèdre, Malbec, Cabernet, Pedro Ximenez
Vineyard Practice: Organic, Vegan
Culinary Suggestions: Charcuterie, BBQ Meats, Duck
Alcohol: 13.5%
Bottle Size: 750 ml
a vibrant and complex wine from Eden Valley. Featuring red berries, spice, and a smooth, mineral-driven finish, this blend reflects the rich heritage of one of South Australia's oldest vineyards.
About
Established in 1857, the Stonegarden vineyard is one of South Australia's oldest and most storied vineyards, playing a significant role in the region's winemaking heritage. Nestled in the elevated Eden Valley at 365 metres above sea level, the vineyard's ancient vines, some dating back to 1858, and others from the 1940s, thrive in soils rich with granitic rock and quartz, adding a distinctive mineral complexity to the wines.
The Eden Valley, part of the famous Barossa region, benefits from a higher elevation and cooler climate compared to the Barossa Valley floor. This unique geography lends a refined structure and distinct minerality to the wines.
The 2020 Stonegarden Field Blend Grenache is predominantly Grenache (more than 85%), complemented by smaller amounts of Shiraz, Mataro (Mourvèdre), Malbec, and Cabernet Sauvignon. These grapes come from the historic plantings of 1858–1864, contributing to the wine's complexity and depth. The grapes are hand-harvested and fermented with minimal intervention to preserve the natural flavours and characteristics of the fruit. The careful selection and blending of these varietals result in a wine that truly reflects the unique terroir and heritage of the Stonegarden vineyard.
Cork Tasting Notes
The 2020 Stonegarden Field Blend Grenache opens with an aromatic bouquet of red berries, cherry, and plum, interwoven with subtle floral notes and a hint of spice. On the palate, it offers a rich and vibrant experience, showcasing flavours of raspberry, blackberry, and dried herbs, complemented by undertones of chocolate and black pepper. A hint of minerality from the granitic granite and quartz soils is present in the wine's smooth, lingering finish, which is created by well-integrated tannins and balanced acidity. An additional degree of elegance is contributed by the richness and depth found in the ancient vines.
Critic Review
95 Points
Gary Walsh, The Wine Front
Grenache, with a small amount of Shiraz, Mataro and Malbec vines scattered throughout the 1858 – 1864 plantings. This is a more heady wine than the 2021 North West Grenache, in part because of the hot vintage, and also because it’s from a warmer part of the vineyard.
Rich and throaty style, and don’t mind me, but echoes of Priorat here in terms of style. Blackberry, dried raspberry, liquorice, mint and dried herb perfume, but also kind of rosy too. It’s full-bodied, fleshy and rich in flavour, crushed stone, earth and sweet black tea, juicy baked red fruit, plenty of chewy tannin, a minor amount of warmth with some orange peel and dried herb, juniper and game meat, scorched peanuts, but cool acidity, and a lavish stony finish of excellent length. It’s quite the thing. Hold on tight. And yes, I love it.
~ Drink 2024 - 2033+