2021 Ovitelli Grenache
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Tasting notes
The 2021 Ovitelli Grenache is sourced from Block 30—a two-hectare adjacent to the High Sands block, planted in 1946. Sorted on the fancy sorting table at Yangarra and fully destemmed, it fermented in ceramic egg and spent 133 days on the skins. It matured exclusively in ceramic egg (13 months' elevage, no pressings in the final wine), so we know the texture and structure inherent in this glass is vineyard- and berry-derived rather than from the vessel. Already, we are in cool territory. On the nose, there is fresh tobacco leaf, graphite, raspberry leaf, lavender, turmeric/saffron, matcha, licorice and a hint of dehydrated orange peel (moving onto the negroni/Camari end of the spectrum here). In the mouth, the tannins are super fine, milled into compressed powder that plumes through the fruit, like blood in the water. This is mineral, detailed, exciting, febrile, ethereal and lacy, even. Wowee. Strong statement about McLaren Vale Grenache here. 14.5% alcohol, sealed under screw cap.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
James Suckling
More reviews and scores
From the two-hectare ‘Block 30’ patch of old Grenache bush vines planted in the sandy soils of Yangarra in 1946. Destemmed and crushed into 675-litre ceramic eggs, 133 days on skins, then another seven months’ maturation in the eggs before bottling. No oak. Vibrant, translucent, spicy floral lift and lots of bright, pippy cherry and raspberry-compote characters. Intense, lots of drive and richness, but light on its feet; fine, sticky tannins. Delicious. (MA)
A linear and tight grenache with long and very intense fruit and tannins. Blackberry, dark cocoa powder and dusty. Chewy and very fine tannined. Excellent length and power. Needs three or four years to come around. From biodynamically grown grapes. Best after 2024.
About the producer
One of the leading names in Australian wine, managed today by Peter Fraser, Yangarra farms its 90 hectares of vines biodynamically. The McLaren Vale estate works with Rhône varieties and is best known for its outstanding Grenache, the top botting of which is its High Sands cuvée.