Eperosa, SGG Stonegarden Grenache 1858, Barossa Valley

Dark garnet. Cassis and leather on the nose. Cherry and cassis on the palate, jube-like intensity, somewhat stewed. Alcohol very noticeable. This gives more of a stewed/cooked impression, porty and not in balance. Regret choosing to open this tonight compared to other bottles I could have selected and regret recently purchasing these at cellar door from their museum release.

Under cork (why, oh why?), not decanted, note made after about 6 hours open. Colour is light-medium deep garnet with some bricking – more noticeable when one tilts the glass. There is a concentration of colour to the rim. Expect power. Nose is a pretty heady combination of lifted red fruits, but with a hint of something a bit darker – this isn’t some kind of raspberry cordial- alcohol, Kirsch, Chinotto and spices (for me it is cinnamon and sandalwood) …

Terrific. Smooth as velvet, slightly peppery finish. A winner for sure.

Second time I've had this wine. PnP, clear ruby to rim in glass. Very pretty nose, quite floral, candied red fruits, mandarin, sandalwood, not overly extracted, seems like a conscious pure expression of grape. Dusty tannins coat mouth, more red fruit and strawberry rhubarb pie, Grenache sweetness shows, lighter style but exceptionally long finish. A modern winner.