Cirillo, The Vincent Grenache, Centenarian Vine, Barossa Valley, Australia 2022

“The 2022 The Vincent Survivor Vine Grenache is plush and fine at once. The febrile tannins that shape the fruit are very fine—pliability and ductility are the story. It has notes of graphite, black tea, strawberry, raspberry seed, exotic spice and black cherry. This is a beauty, and it really overdelivers for the price point… Twenty percent of the wine goes into old oak. It’s enough to support the tannins, but not enough to feel overtly oaky. Lovely, this comes from 1906 and 1901 plantings of Grenache, on spur-pruned trellis. 14% alcohol, sealed under screw cap.”-94WA

The Cirillo family has been caretakers of one of the world’s oldest Grenache vineyards for the past 41 years. The ancient vines, planted in 1850, are basket pruned and bush trained. The first Cirillo 1850 Grenache was produced in 2003. The vineyard’s deep silt sand over limestone and clay results in incredibly intense and rich fruit. Marco Cirillo personally trains and nurtures each vine, ensuring exceptional quality.

The Vincent Grenache is the baby brother of 1850 Grenache if you consider 80, 90, and 100 year old vines to be babies. Basket pressed, open top fermented, and finished in both stainless steel and older French oak. Red fruit, gluggable, silky.