Ray
-
Ray
Grenache
Grenache from Jim Zerella’s Ryan Road vineyard. This vineyard Dave has consulted on for several years and is a site he see as one of the best for Grenache in McLaren Vale. Elevation 84m ASL, north facing. Planted in ’97 on the Willunga escarpment’s piedmont, which has the tumbled down mix of geologies, limestone, sandstone, siltstone, quartzite and shale. 650 million years mixed with much more recent formations – as recent as 10,000 Years ago. Incredibly deep soils and vines’ roots find their way deeper down because of the rocks, more than in any of the more homogeneous soils further north. A feature here is Spring and Summer gully breezes providing regular cooling in the afternoon and into the evening. These two aspects give full phenolic ripeness and freshness. Organically farmed, hand pruned, hand picked on the right day, whole bunch, indigenous ferment, gentle hand plunges and a long light press. Bottled after two winters in large old oak with minimal sulphur. Juicy fruit, cherry, pith and rocks, medium weight.