2022 Glengrae Old Bush Block Grenache
2022 Glengrae Old Bush Block Grenache
($38.25 Wine Club price)
Glenn Becker’s dry grown bush block in Ebenezer is one of the true treasures of the Northern Barossa. A lost block of less than 2 acres planted generations ago. Traditionally farmed with no access to supplementary water, highly exposed and subject to frost more years than most. The vineyard is a true reflection of Glenn and his personality.
The yield in this vineyard is invariably very low, but with good winter rains such as experienced in 2021 the vineyard can sometimes yield two barrels, as was the case in the 22 vintage.
The resulting wine is highly perfumed, yet savoury, combining great length of flavour and persistence that this great block can produce in the very good vintages. A special site that produces special wines.
Technical Tasting Notes
2022 GLENGRAE OLD BUSH BLOCK GRENACHE
GROWING SEASON
The 2022 Barossa Valley vintage will be remembered as the second almost faultless season in a row after an equally impressive although different 2021 vintage. Both Vintages were cool, the coolest since 2002. Good spring rains meant that we entered the growing season with good soil moisture levels. A warm dry growing season followed, with balanced and healthy canopies producing an average crop of extremely high quality fruit. A pigeon pair, perhaps the best two since 1990/1991 if not longer. The good news is that flavours and colours (in reds) and the vibrancy and lift in the whites are incredible. Overall quality is exceptional. Another extremely good Barossa vintage in the making.
TASTING NOTE
Glenn Becker’s dry grown bush block in Ebenezer is one of the true treasures of the Northern Barossa. A lost block of less than 2 acres planted generations ago. Traditionally farmed with no access to supplementary water, highly exposed and subject to frost more years than not. The vineyard is a true reflection of Glenn and his personality. It is unique and the wine that results in years where we get a crop is of such quality that when the conditions allow, we bottle a small volume as a Vineyard Series. 2022 was one such year.
The resulting wine is highly perfumed, medium to full bodied with a five spice character that we often see from this block. Dense fruit with a savoury edge. Great length and persistence. A wine that can be enjoyed for many years.
SPECIFICATIONS
Region: Barossa Valley
Sub Region: Ebenezer
Variety: Grenache
Alcohol: 14.5%
Production: 1300 bottles
Cellaring: 5 years+
Winemaker: Andrew Seppelt
Download Technical Tasting Notes 2023 Vintage ➝
Download Technical Tasting Notes 2022 Vintage ➝
Download Technical Tasting Notes 2021 Vintage ➝
Download Technical Tasting Notes 2020 Vintage ➝
Reviews
2022 Vineyard Series Glengrae Old Bush Block Grenache
HUon Hooke (The Real Review)
94 Points - Medium-full red with a tint of purple in the rim, and a spicy, cherry aroma with hints of sarsaparilla and cherry brandy, succulent sweet ripe fruit at its core. Succulent fruit surrounded by a shroud of drying but supple tannins. Excellent grenache. 14 Jan 2024
2021 Vineyard Series Glengrae Old Bush Block Grenache
Andrew Caillard MW (The Vintage Journal)
94 Points - Medium-deep crimson in colour and opens up with attractive inky musky plum, raspberry aromas and flavours. Slurpy wine with plentiful musky plum, raspberry pastille flavours, fine slinky textures and fresh juicy acidity, before finishing chalky and minerally.
Now–2028
Steve Leszczynski (Qwinereviews.com)
94 Points - Here's a challenge... Pour this and take one sip - I bet you can't stop there. It's hard to resist. A pretty and vibrant Barossa Valley Grenache awaits. Scents of raspberry rope and red fruits, there is a joyous flow about its make up. Soft petals add further prettiness but the clincher is the mid-palate density and grip that pulls you closer. Long and luscious, another brilliant Grenache from Hayes Family Wines.
Drink to five years+
2020 Vineyard Series Glengrae Old Bush Block Grenache
Not Yet Reviewed
2019 Vineyard Series Glengrae Old Bush Block Grenache
2021 Wine Companion (James Halliday)
96 Points - This is all about contained power reflecting a ‘lost' 0.8ha dry-grown block on an exposed ridge that yielded 750kg of fruit. Its perfumed bouquet foretells a wine that, while delicate, has a long, lingering palate destined to live for decades. A gift horse of rare magnitude.
Q-Wine Reviews - www.qwinereviews.com (Steve Leszczynski)
94 Points - Quite funky on opening. This Grenache is one out of the box and one I reckon will pulverise. For me, I'm a big fan.
Scents of truffles and black earth, dried herbs and dark chocolate before delicate ripples of red fruit cruise through the mouth. Some mushroom compost and lithe undergrowth add savoury appeal which could throw you to consider it as a Pinot only for the woodsy spices and Chinese Five Spice which chime in perfectly on close. Dangerously smooth with silky tannins, this is a treasure.
Drink to five years+
2018 Vineyard Series Glengrae Old Bush Block Grenache
2020 Wine Companion (James Halliday)
97 Points - From a 0.8ha dry-grown block exposed to the elements that doesn't often produce enough fruit to sustain separate vinification and bottling. Its bright, clear crimson hue, perfumed bouquet and pure flavours were shaped by late picking at low baume, ceramic egg fermentation, and maturation for several months in a used French puncheon. A truly lovely grenache, at a ridiculously low price. 50 dozen made.
Drink by: 2031
