2021 Stonegarden Northwest Grenache
Region: Eden Valley, South Australia, Australia
Grape: 100% Grenache
Vineyard Practice: Organic, Vegan
Culinary Suggestions: Charcuterie, BBQ Meats, Duck
Alcohol: 13%
Bottle Size: 750 ml
A standout wine from Eden Valley. Bursting with red berry and spice flavours, it offers a smooth finish and a touch of minerality, showcasing the harmony of innovative winemaking and historic terroir.
Origins
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 2021 Stonegarden Northwest Grenache showcases the vineyard's commitment to innovative winemaking. The grapes are fermented using a blend of whole bunches in 600-litre ceramic eggs, open fermenters, and closed stainless steel tanks. This variety of fermentation methods contributes to the wine's complexity and unique character. After fermentation, the wine is aged in 500-litre French oak barrels for 12-24 months, which enhances its depth and adds subtle layers of intrigue. This meticulous process results in a Grenache that reflects both the historic pedigree of the Stonegarden vineyard and the forward-thinking approach.
Cork Tasting Notes
The 2021 Stonegarden Northwest Grenache has an inviting bouquet of red berries, cherries, and mild floral notes, mixed with spice and earthy undertones. On the palate, it has a bright and expressive profile with raspberry, strawberry, and plum flavours, as well as undertones of black pepper, dry herbs. The wine's medium-bodied structure is supported by well-integrated tannins and balanced acidity, resulting in a smooth and long-lasting finish with a hint of minerality from the granitic rock and quartz soils. The diverse fermentation methods and careful oak ageing add layers of complexity and depth, making this Grenache a standout expression of the Eden Valley terroir.
Critic Review
96 Points
Gary Walsh, The Wine Front
Glen Monaghan (vigneron), Ben Radford (winemaker). Vineyard planted 1858 to 1864. Some “whole bunches in 600-litre ceramic eggs, open fermenters and closed stainless steel tanks. The configuration of fermenters adds to the complexity and mystique of this wine. Ageing in 500-litre French oak barrels for 12-24 months adds further layers of intrigue to the final blend.” As an aside, Glen used to offer a few comments about various wines made from his vineyard when he was a subscriber, which was a nice thing. This is the first wine to be made on-site, in the old stone winery with some of the original equipment. A handshake with history.
Supple, gentle style, and kind of exotic with cinnamon and rhubarb, raspberry, a little mint, and something quite stony. It’s medium-bodied, fine spread of ferrous and deliciously tactile tannin, a dried rose mouth-perfume, poached strawberry and raspberry, again the stony feel on the finish, with a subtle orange peel bitterness and excellent length. Such a good wine. So vinous and complete.
~ Drink 2024 - 2033+