Frederick Stevenson Hongell Barossa Valley Grenache 2019

2019 Grenache from the Hongell’s vineyard just south of Tanunda, on the Barossa Valley Way. Old vines, Biscay Clay soils, 30% whole bunch ferments, old barrels and sulphured just prior to bottling.

Good gear this. Tannin with roughed up edges, a little jubey fruit character, a big rasp of sweet earthiness, some fleeting cola/cherry characters. It’s all on. The roll of the wine is steady and kind of slow, sits right in medium weight, has some plushness but those tannins tell any flab who’s boss. Perfumed, not pretty, but appropriate and all undergrowthy and inviting. Autumnal in a way. Excellent length. This is a gruntier expression of this wine, but finds all its elements working well. It’s one for outside around the fire. And for showing people just how good Barossa grenache can be. 94 points – Mike Bennie, The Winefront