Bulman, Gary's Vineyard Grenache 2023

Australian Grenache is enjoying somewhat of a moment, with old vines getting special attention, perhaps as tastes shift to lighter bodied reds, but without giving up any flavour concentration or complexity. Mark Bulman makes one of the best examples. Named for the grower of the vineyard in Blewitt Springs, McLaren Vale, Gary's Grenache is light-footed, bright, energetic and generous, with juicy fruit, savoury herbs and peppery spice. Gary Whaite planted the vineyard in 1974, taking a sledgehammer to the ironstone conglomerate to break it up. The label has an image of Gary with said sledgehammer subtly embossed below the broken rock.