2021 David & Nadia Grenache

The 2021 Grenache Noir comes from five vineyards with younger vines than the Chenin, mainly planted in the early 2000s that oblige two green harvests. Sixty percent is fermented and matured in concrete and using 60% whole bunch. The bouquet is very well defined and transparent; red cherries intermingle with raspberry and slate-like scents. The palate is well-balanced with fine tannins and superb acidity. Fine, bitter cherry notes towards the finish fan out wonderfull; this is a top-notch Grenache.

Full bottle 1,364 g. Blend of five Grenache Noir vineyards, with the core a vineyard from the Paardeberg planted in the early 2000s. Joining this vineyard in 2021 is another Paardeberg vineyard, recently planted on the north-eastern side of the Langkloof valley overlooking the Aprilskloof. Another addition is a 2016-planted vineyard in the schist of the Kasteelberg. This vineyard was planted on terraces high up in the mountain. Some Grenache Noir from a farm north of Malmesbury with which David and Nadia have been working since 2012 was also added. There were 12 different pickings. A component (60%) of the wine was fermented and matured in concrete. The juice was kept on the skins for four weeks pre-/during fermentation and 60% whole bunches were used. One punchdown per day was done resulting in minimal and gentle extraction. The wine was pressed off and matured for a year in old 500-litre neutral French oak barrels as well as a 2,700-litre concrete vessel. RS 1.7 g/l. Very transparent garnet. Sweet nose – raspberry boiled sweets/hard candy? Very light tannins. Very much part of the Gredos style but I wouldn't mind a little bit more acidity. Grainy and long. But without the real drive of the white 2021 from this address. Just a little heat on the end. (JR)