Hello x-factor. It’s just Grenache fruit (from the Blind Spot Vineyard in Blewitt Springs) and largely unadorned by winemaking influence, yet there is this sous bois mushroom layer beyond the purple fruit. Indeed, It’s quite dark and purple plummy (rather than the more traditional red fruit) for a Vale Grenache and a bit singularly juicy, but there’s a certain perfect power and energy to it that makes this a smashable delight (without being confected or shallow). Points: 93/100
Violets, Damson plums skin and black cherries. Mulberry and kalamata olive. Hot sand, black fungi and carob. Paperbark, clove and cinnamon powder. Compact sweet and spicy. The Blewitt fragrance is a key feature with soft pillowy tannins and a long black coffee bitterness that hums along. Alcohol heat is kept in check and the weight of black fruit spectrum is distinct. Drink now and will cellar 2-4 years. A wine that would sit nicely beside a Du Puy lentil ragout. Points: 92/100
Once the reductive pong dissipates, this is a fun, fullish grenache with no dearth of tannin, compressing notes of root spice, raspberry bon bon, menthol and fecund strawberry. I questioned the yields initially, but as the wine opens and unwinds across the bow of tension, it becomes increasingly juicy with air. Points: 91/100
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