2024 Varney Wines Limited Release Grenache

96 pts
Crafted from 70+-year-old bush vines across three iconic McLaren Vale sites, this is a complex Grenache from winemaker Alan Varney.

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Description

Alan Varney is quickly becoming a name you can’t ignore in the McLaren Vale Grenache conversation, and this Limited Release is his best example of why. It’s a blend of 70-year-old bush vines, pulling fruit from three heavy-hitting sub-regions: Blewitt Springs for that sandy, tilled-earth aromatic lift; Seaview for a racy acid backbone; and Whites Valley for the deep, structural core that holds it all together.

The 2024 vintage follows a similar blueprint to the highly-acclaimed 2023, focusing on freshness and structure over jammy fruit weight. Alan uses a mix of cold soaking and partial whole-bunch fermentation (staying on skins for up to 22nd days) to build layers of cherry, pomegranate, and subtle spice. Nine months in seasoned French oak ensures the wood stays in the background, allowing the juicy red fruit to take centre stage.

This is a lively, textured Grenache that perfectly balances energy with old-vine depth. It’s got enough fine-grained tannin to handle slow-braised lamb or earthy charcuterie, and while it’s absolutely singing right now, it has the pedigree to evolve beautifully in the cellar for the next ten years.

96 points
"This is perhaps the finest grenache I have tasted from this address, the three district parcels making up an effortlessly complex whole. Superb."
- Marcus Ellis (Halliday Wine Companion)

95 points
"The palate focuses more on its powdery tannins and savoury dark herb line. Black fruit too. An excellent wine that makes use of the quality fruit and display of diverse sites."
- The Vintage Journal

96 points - "Blewitt Springs, Seaview and Whites Valley, with all vines north of 70 years; some bunch, some full carbonic, all native ferments, then nine months in seasoned oak. This was picked on the early-ish side, yet the swell of fruit flavour is effusive. And in the best sense. It’s a wine that lures you in, seductive with its sultry florals and dark red and black fruits. It’s savoury, too, detailed with fine Medina spices and dried Mediterranean herbs. This is perhaps the finest grenache I have tasted from this address, the three district parcels making up an effortlessly complex whole. Superb." - Marcus Ellis (Halliday Wine Companion)

95 points - "Old bush vine Grenache with vines around 70 years-plus. Sites across Blewitt Springs, Seaview and White Valley. Some whole bunch, carbonic maceration and
into seasoned French oak for nine months. Bing cherries, black raspberries and a line of wild strawberries in vanilla syrup. Some charcoal, cardamom and clove. A fresh and juicy wine, punctured with dots of purple florals and a wonderfully satisfying mid-palate creaminess. The palate focuses more on its powdery tannins and savoury dark herb line. Black fruit too. An excellent wine that makes use of the quality fruit and display of diverse sites. Drink now–2032." - The Vintage Journal

THE VINEYARD
Three very distinguished vineyards complement one another in this blend. The Brini vineyard in Blewitt Springs contributes heightened fresh aromatics and a tilled earth character on the palate. The Romano vineyard in Seaview lends a vibrant acid backbone and fresh fruits of cherry and red berry and the Cooter vineyard in Whites Valley adds a dense core of fruit, mid-palate weight, and long length to the balanced finish. Vineyards are all 70+ years old bush vines on sand. A vinous trilogy of distinction.

WINEMAKING
Cold soaked, partial whole bunch, 11 - 22 days on skins in open fermenters, pressed to seasoned French oak for 9 month maturation prior to blending and bottling.

Price Bracket $41 to $50
Type Red
Body Medium Bodied
Variety Grenache
Country Australia
Region McLaren Vale
Australian State SA
Feature High Score
Reviewed By Halliday Wine Companion
The Vintage Journal
Critic Score 96
Alcohol 14%
Size 750ml
Vintage 2024
Closure Screw Cap

Varney Wines

Varney Wines began with just a "tonne for fun" for Alan Varney to play around with over a decade ago.

He took his years of experience working at top South Australian wineries, including time spent at Orlando Wines, Longview Vineyard and over a decade as senior winemaker at d’Arenberg, and poured his skills into crafting a style of wine that he and his friends and family could enjoy.

The side gig became a full-time obsession, leading to Alan purchasing a dilapidated property at the Gateway of McLaren Vale to house a tasting room alongside his wife Kathrin’s restaurant, Victor’s Place. A sustainable modern winery was built and their first commercial release was unveiled. The wines have been taking off ever since culminating with Varney being named James Halliday's Best New Winery in 2021.

Winemaker Alan Varney - McLaren Vale, SA Varney Wines

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