Ochota Barrels, McLaren Vale (South Australia) Grenache 2012

The Fugazi Vineyard is so named because the punk band Fugazi was playing on the radio of Taras and Amber Ochota’s car radio when they first saw the vineyard. The 63 year-old, dry-grown, bush vines are handpicked and allowed to ferment with natural yeast. The juice spends an incredible 48 days on the grape skins, providing texture and structure to the wine. The aromas are a beautiful, lifted combination of white pepper, red and purple flowers, smoke, and high-toned fruit. The viscous, rich texture shows the concentration of the wine. Ripe, sweet, stewed cherry, raspberry, orange peel, and exotic spices lead to a finish that has a hint of leather and tar, a stemmy note, and long length. This is a plush, full-bodied wine that epitomizes McLaren Vale Grenache.