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Technical Tasting Notes
2024 MADER BLOCK GRENACHE
GROWING SEASON
The dry winter and spring made the vines work during the early part of the growing season, and bud burst started in September, three weeks earlier than the year before. Damaging frosts particularly, in September and October meant some vineyards had significant damage that influenced their subsequent yield. Veraison in many vineyards was a month earlier than 2023. Whites ripened quickly, retaining good fragrance and natural acids early. Reds, with small berries, show intensity and vibrancy. An unseasonal heatwave in early March caused short-lived concern, but those vines that still had grapes recovered well in the following cooler weather.
Depending on site and variety, crops are anywhere between 50 and 90% of normal. Grenache was standout for quality and yield, Shiraz was well down but looks very good in quality terms. Whites and Rose’ look amazing. We have very high hopes for the vintage in the years to come.
TASTING NOTE
The 2024 Mader Block Grenache was sourced from the very old Mader Family Vineyard in Lights Pass, in the central Barossa Valley. 100 % Old vine Grenache from the exceptional 2024 vintage. Farmed by the Mader’s for over 150 years, it is perfected sited block at the foot of the Eastern Rangers. It is a block that has traditionally produced special grapes. Hand picked, the fruit was de-stemmed before being transferred to our small fermenters. Once dry, the wine was transferred into a seasoned French oak puncheons for maturation prior to being bottled in early 2025. This wine carries tremendous balance, bright red fruits, medium to full bodied, all the hallmarks of the Central Barossa in a wonderful vintage. Drink now or for 10 years or more
SPECIFICATIONS
Region: Barossa Valley
Sub Region: Lights Pass
Variety: Grenache
Alcohol: 14.8%
Production: 2000 bottles
Cellaring: 5 years+
Winemaker: Andrew Seppelt
Reviews
2024 MADER BLOCK Grenache
Steve Leszczynski (Qwinereviews.com)
94 Points - Brett Hayes' insatiable appetite for Grenache knows no bounds, and if there is a quality vineyard he can get his hands on, he will. Enter the Mader Block from Light Pass. Juicy, inviting, dancy - whoa, this is something. Making its debut in the range, this 2024 release comes from 80+ year old vines grown on loamy and sandy soils. The latter delivers a prettiness and purity that draws you into its vortex.
Red berries, blueberries and mulberries splash about with supreme ease. Flickers of pan juices add a meaty vibe but the core of raspberry fruit is unescapable. The bright and expressive perfume of red petals and violets sing harmoniously. A cheeky dusting of soft spices drive long and continue to light up the party with a tension that seizes its moment late.
A wine with serious sessional appeal, you'd be forgiven for enjoying every drop and not wanting to analyse it one bit - that there is a sign of a great wine.
Drink to eight years.
