95 points - "Naturally, this is grenache-led. And not just by numbers, but by flavour, lithe weight and architecture. Wild raspberry, damson and tart blackberry, with a liberal dusting of ground spices, dipping both into baking and master stock territory. The balance of varieties is à point, the tension, fine tannin, verve and energetic drive compelling. It is a finely wrought and keenly frisky expression. Superb, especially for the tariff." - Marcus Ellis (Halliday Wine Companion)

95 points - "A delightful elegant and expressive medium-bodied wine from Blewitt Springs in McLaren Vale. It was gently treated from the outset to preserve the delicate fruit characters of this cool vintage. To that end, it was matured in a mix of old French oak puncheons, ceramic eggs and amphora for about 8 months. It’s balanced with dry chalky characters merging with the bright red fruits of the varieties with structure and definition. I could drink a bit of this." - Ray Jordan (Wine Pilot)

94 points - "43% Grenache, 34% Shiraz, 23% Mourvèdre. 50% whole berry retained and wild yeast, 8 months in oak, amphora and egg. Juicy, black cherry, cranberry and wild currant. Everything one wants from a mid-weight GSM. There’s granite that has been rolled around in a polisher so it gleams, native violets and blueberries. Saltbush and a gentle breeze whispered through the tall grassed bushland. A subtle crushed cedar underfoot in a hushed forest grove. An oh so pretty perfume, crunch and chalky phenolics from Blewitt Springs Grenache, hints of iodine and meat on the bone from Shiraz, and some long and sinewy shapes that tug and pull from the Mourvèdre. This is a cracker of a wine, and a bottle that everyone around the table is sad to see finished. Svelte shape with chalky grip and tension that keeps you hooked from beginning to end. Elegant and yet full of character, a long length yet super juicy and crunchy at the same time. The contradictions pull me in." - Cassandra Charlick (Wine Pilot)

VINTAGE SUMMARY

The growing season began with significantly higher than average rainfall. The cool, wet conditions continued through Spring, setting us up for balanced canopies and lower yields. La Niña weather patterns forecast cooler temperatures and continued rainfall for harvest. We were able to enhance vineyard practices such as shoot thinning and leaf removal to promote airflow, reduce mildew and increase sun exposure to bunches. From our experience, a cold vintage in a warm region can produce some of the best wines. Due to the cultural practices implemented, we were able to pick the majority of the vineyard in a three-week window prior to Easter, completed in early April. Wines produced from this vintage will be some of the prettiest and most delicate from the Estate.

WINEMAKING

43% Grenache, 34% Shiraz, 23% Mourvèdre. Each variety handled separately. Destemmed and selectively sorted in the winery. 50% whole berries retained. Wild yeast ferment. Each variety has a unique maceration. However, the unifying principle is using a very gentle pump over regime, often just wetting the cap, for a minimum of 14 days. Extended maceration for some portions of Grenache. The wine was matured in a mixture of old French oak puncheons and foudre, ceramic eggs and amphora for 8 months. Bottled February 2024.