Smallfry Grenache 2009

Smallfry Grenache 2009 (Barossa Valley, SA)
$28, Screwcap, 16%
Source: Sample
www.smallfrywines.com.au

I’ve managed to (painfully) crush my left hand this week in a cycling accident, so apologies in advance if the tasting notes are a little thin on the ground for the next little while, particularly as a stint in hospital (to wire knuckle bones back together) looms, and because I’m crap at one handed typing.

Thankfully my drinking hand was unaffected, allowing me to enjoy this lovely, pure, vibrant Grenache from Wayne Ahrens.

It might seem a peculiar comparison, but all I could think about whilst tasting this Smallfry Grenache was Pinot. Or Gamay.

It starts with the colour – which is a light, bright ruby that belies the obvious grape ripeness.

On the nose too there is a riot of fresh red fruits: Cranberry; Redcurrant and jubes (red and black). It’s a lovely pure nose that is ripe, pure and unadorned by oak.

Interesting then that the palate – just like good Pinot – is much fuller than the rather juicy nose suggests.

It carries that same plush red fruit flesh signalled on the nose, but built long and savoury, finishing with dry tannins to boot. There is a hint of baked fruit through the tail, but it’s replaced by fruit soon after, with it all finishing warm (but not hot) and clean.

All in all it’s a delicious wine that is light, pure and varietally true. 18/93