2004 was started with a mild summer, a hot burst in February, then a long cool ripening period through to late May. This always ensures that the later ripening varieties such as Grenache and Mataro reach full potential. Based around fruit from a 120 year old bush vine Grenache vineyard in Greenock, each parcel of fruit was vintaged separately and aged in old French oak hogsheads for 19 months. Dry grown Cinsaut, a rare Rhone Varietal, from 80 year old vines, as well as some 80 year old Mataro from Light Pass, make this wine a real Chateauneuf style Grenache blend.
The Wine: An exotic nose of orange peel, cherry and raspberry plus undertones of earthy and spicy Grenache. Spicy, gamey fruit dominates the palate, with orange zest and raspberry on the mid-palate finishing with great depth of sweet fruit.
The nose is an enticing mix of black pepper, raspberries, black cherries, cassis, licorice and spices, rich, balanced, integrated. There's a touch of regional earth as well, very aromatic and enticing. The palate doesn't disappoint, medium bodied with that typical Massena creamy mouthfeel, this has stacks of rich flavours, ripe black and red fruits, berries and spices, liquorice and more. It has length and style, and would cellar well in the medium term. Lovely stuff. the auswine panel
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