Vanguardist Grenache 2024

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

THE 2024 VINTAGE MARKS THE TENTH RELEASE OF THE ‘V’ GRENACHE FROM THIS SINGLE SITE, RENDE VINEYARD

VINEYARD:
The Grenache originates from the renowned "Silver Sands" vineyard in Blewitt Springs, South Australia. Planted over 55 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.

VINTAGE:
The season began with unsettled conditions, delivering significant rainfall and strong winds through flowering. As the season progressed, conditions shifted dramatically, turning dry and warm, with a notable February heatwave tightening the harvest window and intensifying fruit concentration.

Despite these challenges, the vintage has delivered wines with structure, depth, and impressive length, with Rhône varieties once again proving their ability to endure and excel.

HARVEST:
Hand harvested across multiple picks on 4, 10, and 14 March, the 2024 crop saw yields reduced from 2023, averaging around 23hL/ha — below the long-term average.

VINIFICATION:
Approximately two-thirds of the fruit was retained as whole bunches and underwent our signature gentle fermentation over an average of five weeks. The wine was then matured for 17 months in two 22HL Slavonian Oak Foudre, these large format vessels now seven years old. It remained in barrel through élevage and a second winter, before being racked in early spring in preparation for bottling in December.

PROFILE:
Guided by the skilled hand of Michael J Corbett, this Grenache consistently expresses its terroir, delivering an elegant balance of bright acidity, fine-grained silky tannins, lifted red-fruit vibrancy, and distinctive minerality.