THE FOUNDRY Grenache Noir 2020

Hand harvested and cooled overnight, the grapes were partially de-stemmed and crushed with some whole berries and bunches remaining. About 20 % of stalks were used. The first stage of fermentation was un-innoculated with a neutral Rhone strain inoculated later to complete fermentation.  70% of the  free run was barrel aged in seasoned tight grain French oak, with 30% completing MLF and elevage in terracotta clay dolium and eggs. The blend was assembled after 11 months before bottling.

The Foundry Grenache Noir 2020 has a youthful vivid ruby hue. Still youthful on the nose there is a distinctive floral fleshy fruit quality with lifted floral, pomegranate and fynbos (garrigue, wild herbs) notes.The palate is medium bodied with intense crushed red fruit, pink- peppery spiciness and an intricate fairy-dust like tannic structure giving it focus and length . Persistant on the finish, this is delicious now and should improve and evolve for up to 10 years.

On revisiting this wine for release, it seems that the lifted fragrant perfume has become even more expressive due to a little more time in bottle. The youthful brightness is still evident on both the colour and aroma, but the wine seems to have pulled itself towards more completeness and complexity. Like great Pinot Noir, this Grenache is all about the mouthfeel with that fleshy fruit characteristic of low yielding Grenache, coupled with the powdery, almost talc-like tannins After the 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017 vintages, we have secured permanent use of this unusual vineyard and are looking forward to see the maturing of the vineyard.