2023 Willunga 100 Smart Vineyard Grenache

Exceptional McLaren Vale Grenache - Outstanding Vintage

96 Points The Weekend Australian | 95 points Halliday Wine Companion | 95 points The Wine Front 

"A brilliant expression of Smart Vineyard's unique terroir, showcasing exceptional depth, complexity, and the perfect balance that defines world-class Grenache."

Smart Vineyard Grenache 2023 represents the pinnacle of Willunga 100's single-vineyard program, capturing the distinctive character of this exceptional McLaren Vale site. This outstanding vintage demonstrates the perfect harmony between traditional winemaking wisdom and innovative techniques, delivering a wine of remarkable sophistication and aging potential.

 Tasting Notes

Appearance: Deep ruby red with garnet highlights, displaying excellent concentration and brilliant clarity that speaks to the wine's quality.

Aroma: Complex and enticing bouquet of dark cherries, blackberry, and plum, enhanced by sophisticated notes of dried herbs, white pepper, cedar, and a hint of exotic spice.

Palate: Full-bodied with refined tannins, showcasing intense dark fruit flavors complemented by elegant spice complexity and a distinctive mineral backbone that reflects the vineyard's unique geological composition.

Finish: Long and sophisticated with persistent dark fruit character, warm spice notes, and a refined, lingering conclusion that showcases the wine's exceptional structure and aging potential.

 Wine Details

• Vintage: 2023
• Variety: 100% Grenache
• Region: McLaren Vale, South Australia
• Producer: Willunga 100
• Rating: 94 Points
• Serving Temperature: 16-18°C
• Cellaring: Drink now or cellar until 2035

 Food Pairings

• Slow-braised lamb shanks with rosemary and red wine
• Grilled portobello mushrooms with herb butter
• Aged Parmigiano-Reggiano and truffle honey
• Duck breast with cherry and thyme sauce
• Wild boar ragu with pappardelle
• Dark chocolate tart with berry compote

 Producer Background

Willunga 100 has established itself as the benchmark for McLaren Vale single-vineyard wines, with their Smart Vineyard representing one of their most prestigious sites. Their commitment to sustainable viticulture and minimal intervention winemaking allows the unique character of each vineyard to shine through in every bottle.

 Regional Character

The Smart Vineyard is renowned for its exceptional terroir, featuring ancient soils and ideal microclimate conditions that produce Grenache of extraordinary depth and complexity. The 2023 vintage was particularly favorable, allowing for optimal flavor development and perfect phenolic ripeness.

 Value & Investment

This Smart Vineyard Grenache 2023 represents exceptional value in the premium single-vineyard category, offering complexity and sophistication that rivals wines at significantly higher price points. With its outstanding aging potential, this wine is an excellent investment for the cellar.

Experience the intelligence of Smart Vineyard with this exceptional Grenache - a wine that perfectly demonstrates why McLaren Vale is considered one of the world's premier Grenache regions.