2023 Vanguardist Grenache

The Vanguardist range represents the epitome of what we are about. Pushing the realms of standard winemaking to deliver intrigue, excitement and full recognition of this special and distinct terroir. Ultimate dedication to the craft of viticulture and winemaking, encapsulated in a bottle – through our lens.

SINGLE SITE: GRENACHE FROM RENDE VINEYARD, BLEWITT SPRINGS, MCLAREN VALE

VINEYARD:
The Grenache originates from the renowned "Silver Sands" vineyard in Blewitt Springs, South Australia. Planted over 50 years ago by Robert Rende and his father, Michael, this vineyard is considered a hidden gem in the region. The vineyard's viticulture is now expertly managed by Michael J. Corbett, whose focus on quality and sustainability continues to elevate the wine’s reputation and ensure the vineyard's longevity. The 2023 vintage marked the ninth release of this exceptional Grenache from this single site.

VINTAGE:
The 2023 growing season was marked by ample winter rain, followed by a cool and moist spring. These conditions delayed budburst and slowed shoot growth, resulting in a late flowering and fruit set. The cool summer extended the ripening process further, leading to a slightly delayed but short harvest period. These unique seasonal influences contributed to the wine’s refined acidity, captivating tension, fine tannins, lifted fruit expression, and distinct mineral notes.

HARVEST:
Hand harvested over a 10-day period, with the first pick, March 16, and concluding with the third pick on March 26. The yields were down from the 2022, averaging around 30HL/Ha. Slightly below the long-term average.

VINIFICATION:
With 60% whole bunch inclusion, the fruit underwent its meticulously gentle fermentation process over an average period of seven weeks. The wine was then further aged for 17 months in 22HL Slavonian Oak Foudre. This time allowed elevage through a second winter, and the wine was racked early spring to prepare for bottling.

Bottled without fining or filtration at the optimal natural ambient temperature in November 2024.

This Grenache is a true reflection of its terroir, offering an elegant balance of elevated acidity, fine grained silky tannins, vibrant and lifted red fruit characteristics, and a distinctive minerality.

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Closure: AMORIM XPUR 49x24mm
FS02: at bottling 14ppm
TSO2: 34ppm
pH: 3.45
TA: 5.9g/L
Alcohol: 13.9%

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DOWNLOAD PREVIOUS VINTAGE TECHNICAL SHEETS:

2022 Vanguardist Grenache
2021 Vanguardist Grenache
2020 Vanguardist Grenache
2019 Vanguardist Grenache
2018 Vanguardist Grenache
2017 Vanguardist Grenache 
2016 Vanguardist Grenache
2015 Vanguardist Grenache

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THE WINE FRONT

MB: The fruit is grown on Rende Vineyard, a Blewitt Springs stronghold for this wine. Matured in foudre.

A supple, soft and slurpy grenache with bright perfume, sweet red berry fruit, a kind of levity and effortless in its feel. A delicate wine, pretty with decent mettle of tannin, tension, zip, stretch of flavour. A pinosity, yes. Tart cherry, dusty, woody spices, hazelnut, well integrated though, chamomile in there, some cardamom, a touch of brine and salt bush too. A finesse here. Pretty as. 94+ points, 2025-2035

GW: Michael Corbett thinks this is as good as any Grenache he has made to date.

Raspberry, cranberry, cherry, lots of exotic spice, almond and dried flowers. Medium-bodied, quite some firm grainy tannin grip with something of a dry spice feel, which is maybe a character of the vintage. Black tea, bright clean acidity, nutmeg and slightly mulchy flavours lead into a crisp finish of good length. Doesn’t have the power and concentration of some vintages, though it does have plenty of crunch and charm. 94+ points

94+ POINTS
GARY WALSH

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HALLIDAY
Vanguardist-farmed Rende vineyard bush vines, around 55 years old; 60% whole bunch, with about seven weeks on skins; matured in 2200L Slavonian oak. The cool vintage has its say. Refined, fragrant and elegant, but savoury and spicy, too. Distinct nebbiolo/nerello mascalese riffs, more the latter – an increasing theme at this address. Dried cranberry and cherry, freeze-dried raspberry and orange, from dehydrated peel to the bitter orange note in amaro, chinotto, Campari … five spice, clove, green cardamom, white pepper, alpine herbs, sour plum, dried mint, pressed flowers, warm terracotta. It’s finer of feel. Is it lesser for it? Nope. It’s laden with so much flavour and etched with ultra-fine but authoritative tannins and refreshing acidity. This also opens up and holds for days, suggesting a very bright future. So individual; so stunning.

97 POINTS
MARCUS ELLIS