Tim Smith Barossa Grenache 2022

It’s all about McLaren Vale Grenache at the moment, but the Barossa Valley should not be overlooked and Tim Smith’s iteration is one of the best, if not the best value from the entire valley. Incredible aromatics with a compote of English summer red fruits, blueberry, some blackcurrant. sweet spices and an almost Nebbiolo sensibility of bitumen and roses. Round and curvy, vigorous and sexy, the wine unfurling and embracing. Long close, the fine tannins providing great width, length and dimension. Excellent, excellent Grenache that you can really get stuck into. Great potential. Waters Wine Co

“This is a bomb of pleasure that thrusts itself in your direction. Take a seat, get comfortable and pour large. Another excellent Tim Smith Grenache awaits. The considered effort of Tim Smith to get the best from his fruit parcels is thrilling to enjoy. After many years of exploring the variety, he has come to treat Grenache with kid gloves and handles it like Pinot Noir. After all, Grenache is Barossa Pinot so you know it makes sense. A blend of two vineyards each boasting 85+ years of age, juicy raspberries and blueberries dance. So joyous and pretty, it sees old French oak and is bottled unfined and unfiltered. Aromas of blueberries and pretty purple flowers sing. Graceful and delightful, soft spices curl around the mouth reaching long. The vibrance screams purity and class. Superbly done once more.” 95 points – Steve Leszczynski, QWine

 

 

“This well composed and finely tuned 2022 Grenache is still primitive, and teases with dark cherry, fresh clove and black peppercorn aromas. So young and tightly formed, with a brooding core of juicy flavour supported by ample tannins throught o a strong finish. This Barossa Grenache needs some serious time.” 94 points – Vinous, Angus Hughson

 

 

I source Grenache from three vineyards on the ‘floor’ of the Barossa Valley for making this wine. It’s usually based however off of vineyard planted in 1937. I try and pick Grenache early – not as  result of trying to necessarily make lower alcohol wines, but to preserve natural acidity, which in turn gives this wine its freshness. Winemaker’s Notes