Dandelion Treasure Trove Grenache is a part of their Firehawk Farm. A single biodynamically run vineyard perched atop an ancient ridge overlooking McLaren Vale. Firehawk is a Native Bird of Prey that soars over the vineyards. It acts as a scarecrow to other birds, rabbits and the like that eat ripening grapes.

Selected bunches were handpicked by family and friends in early March. Two thirds of the fruit was gently crushed over whole bunches into open top fermenters. After 7 days of fermentation the wine was basket pressed into French oak barrels. Some new and the balance seasoned. This was followed by 18 months maturation with minimal winemaking artifact before bottling. This is to capture the essence of the vineyard. Dandelion Treasure Trove Grenache will reward cellaring and decanting.

Colour: Red-black in a translucent and pale way; a thin rim edge, yet substance.

Nose: Grenache’s signature juicy-tuity-fruity and red boiled-lolly lushness begins. It is immediately met by French oak’s Gallic heady and savoury split personality. The oak bouquet quickly calms down and deeper fruit aromatics of aniseed and fennel, sarsaparilla and rose petal, and sage and lemon thyme waft as if an entire afternoon has passed.

Palate: A mouthful of the rich and the ripe Grenache is combined with it’s better alter-ego: the harder greener herbs and the oft elusive tannins. Followed by the well-grown vineyard acidity which keeps the entire Grenache parliament in order. Without the acidity, Grenache is a cartilaginous rabble. Here it is proud and upright, rather than supine. Tautness, refreshment, a giving nature; yet also fun. Fun, fun, fun.