Yalumba Grenache Bushvine 2022

Region: Barossa Valley, Australia

Grapes: Grenache

Yalumba is Australia's largest and oldest family owned winery, founded in 1849.  Led by the visionary Robert Hill Smith, the winery moved from producing primarily fortified wines, similar to port, into dry table wines. The transition was the result of Robert and his cousin, Michael, traveling across Europe in the 1970s drinking so many amazing table wines. Recognizing the trend was moving away from port styles they returned to Australia and in 1985 began the transition. Today they farm across the entire continent in most of the great wine regions but their heart and soul is in Barossa, where this example is made.

Although not a consumer household name, old vine Grenache from the Barossa is one of the world’s great wines. This one displays a heady combination of fresh and dried cherries, raspberry jam, green tea, and fresh sage. In the mouth this wine is almost thick initially, with a cherry compote flavor kissed with wild herbs and dried wood. Drink with mushroom risotto, grilled salmon, or pulled pork.