Ancestor Vine 2024

From the famous 'Stonegarden' vineyard - planted approximately 168 years ago near Springton at 400m altitude in the coldest, driest and most remote part of the Eden Valley. In 2013 HEAD Wines was invited to make Grenache off the Stonegarden Vineyard and the fruit has been an integral part of the HEAD Wines offering. The soils consist of sandy loam and decomposed granite over deep clays. Winemaking usually contains a portion of whole-bunch fermentation in stainless steel, no crushing, natural yeasts, hand plunged twice daily for 2 weeks. Then matured for 11 months in an older oak puncheon and time in bottle before release. 2024’s growing season was mild with below average rains causing yields to settle at 1.0t/acre (below average for the last 10 years). An early harvest with clean fruit allowed beautiful aromatic fruit expression and the wine reminds me of the 2014 vintage at this early stage. Only 800 numbered bottles produced. 96Pts Stuart Knox - The Real Review, 95+Pts Andrew Caillard MW, 95Pts Campbell Mattinson, 95+Pts Dave Brookes - Wine Companion