Circle Grenache

The vines grow in the higher, cooler north-east of McLaren Vale on iron-rich sandy soils over the approximately 54-million-year-old North-Maslin-Sands Formation, at around 180 metres above sea level. The predominantly 2008-planted bush vines were hand-harvested, destemmed and fermented with 50 per cent whole berries in open vessels. Spontaneous fermentation with wild yeasts took place in stainless steel; skin contact lasted around 15 to 21 days. The wine then matured for five months on fine lees in stainless steel as well as used French puncheons and foudres. Stylistically, it shows red berries, cherry and floral notes, fresh acidity, fine tannins and a juicy, medium body.