Medium-deep ruby-purple colored, the 2010 The Blewitt Springs Grenache displays pretty, vibrant raspberry and red cherry aromas over tree bark and black pepper. Full bodied and richly fruited in the mouth, the generous flesh is well supported by firm chewy tannins and refreshing acid, finishing long. Drinking well now, it should cellar to 2022+. The d’Arenberg winery is 100 years old with a fourth generation Osbourne in charge today of this now considerable operation. Graduated from Roseworthy College in 1983, Chester was expected by his father to change things when he took over the family business. Instead he went back to tradition rather than modernizing. In the d’Arenberg vineyards there is no cultivating, fertilizing or herbicides used – Chester compares these artificial means to growing plants hydroponically. Looking to continually improve the root systems of his vines, he rarely irrigates. Average yields are 1.7 tons per acre. “2011 was actually a great year for us,” Chester informed me. “We didn’t have any problems with rot.”Importer: Old Bridge Cellars, Napa, CA, www.oldbridgecellars.com

Dark and spicy, this red is soft in texture, brimming with blackberry, smoke and wet slate flavors that linger on the open finish. Drink now through 2019. 200 cases imported.??–HS??Region: Australia / McLaren Vale Select to Add

The 2009The Blewitt Springs Single Region Grenache has a medium garnet-purple color. Youthfully mute, it reveals delicate warm raspberry, strawberry and mulberry aromas with spice box plus some eucalypt and thyme. Very crisp, rich and full, it offers medium-firm, velvety tannins and a long and spicy finish. Importer: Old Bridge Cellars, Napa, CA, www.oldbridgecellars.com