Mark Bulman made a name for himself in his native South Australia with over a decade at the Barossa’s Turkey Flat, claiming the Jimmy Watson Trophy in 2017. That was with a grenache, the first win for the variety, and it was the result of much experimentation with and affection for the grape. 

Springs Hill Vineyard established in 1974 with the Grenache planted in 2007.

Ironstone conglomerate mixed with sand and gravel over mottled orange yellow clay at various depths. Part of the North Maslin Sand formation. 200m Altitude. Sitting on a ridge above and benefitting from the orographic lift of McLaren Vale. Facing North on a gentle slope above the Onkaparinga Gorge. Dry grown.

Gary Whaite grew the Grenache for the 2024 Vintage.

From 17-year-old vines on the Springs Hill Vineyard in Blewitt Springs planted to sands with yellow clay and ironstone conglomerate. This saw 7% whole bunch, a 9-day ferment and 71 days on skins post ferment, then 178 days in a sandstone amphora. It’s a complex thing, with air unlocking layer after layer of detail. Freshly crushed bay laurel, dried cranberry, pickled cherries, orange peel, fading rose petals, bitter red aperitivo and mountain herbs, rolling into dry-warmed spices – cassia, clove and pepper – pink peppercorn, goji and sumac. It’s finely tooled, decidedly and energetically tannic, but not wantonly so, rather they’re schooling, channelling tannins, resolute in direction, the fruit intensity knit within. It’s very fine indeed.  Date: July 2024; Alcohol: 13.7%; Drink by: 2036; Rating: 97 Points & Special Value Star; James Halliday Wine Companion