Schell has been making Grenache from this vineyard since 2005, but this is only the third year a pure Grenache has been made from this site. With frosts, cold and windy weather at flowering and a hot, dry and early vintage, 2020 was a challenging year in the Barossa, and delivered extremely low yields of stunning Grenache (just over 15 hl/ha).

It’s cropped from the same vineyard as the Moppa Shiraz, and similarly this was hand-harvested and wild-fermented (with 40% whole bunches) in open fermenters. The must was gently pumped over during the early phases of fermentation, with pigeage and treading throughout. It was pressed after 10 days to seasoned, large-format French oak.

The 2020 is seductive and perfumed, redolent of crushed raspberries, red cherries, ground black pepper and a little freshly turned earth. Crunchy, concentrated and with real density, this is also very pure and vibrant, with ripe, lithe tannins. To be frank, this has the kind of finesse and drinkability that’s rarely delivered by the Barossa–another amazing bargain.