Happy first Saturday of October, which of course means it's Cellar Saturday, that magical day where I raid the cellar for a wine at least a decade in the making. Tonight, I've opened a bottle that hasn't been in my cellar very long, as I bought it from Wines Till Sold Out back in August. The 2010 Clarendon Hills Hickinbotham Grenache is a 100% Grenache grown from old vines in South Eastern Australia, using whole berry fermentation with wild yeast, in an effort to enhance the Provencal character of the wine. So, let's see how this wine is tasting 14 years after harvest!
The wine is a lovely ruby color in the glass, with a hint of amber along the edges as you might expect from such a vintage. A gently swirl of the glass reveals aromas of earthy tar, black cherry, vanilla bean and hints of leather. The first sip is a rather surprising rush of fruit, with black cherry, fig and plum that easily transition to some earthy notes of peat and wild mushroom midpalate, before easing into some black pepper spice at the finish. The tannins are silky smooth, providing for a velvety smooth dry finish that will have you quickly reaching for another sip.
Overall, I appreciate this wine for it's decidedly French character, despite being grown a half a world away. This wine would pair well with a variety of Mediterranean dishes, from grilled lamb, mellow seafood or braised short ribs. Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a Mediterranean classic of grilled octopus with grilled summer squash, red onions and peppers. Cheers!
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