Gnadenfrei Red II 2021

Vintage: 2021

Vineyard: Gnadenfrei South

Variety: 65% Mourvèdre, 20% Shiraz, 15% Grenache

Alcohol: 14.0%

pH: 3.40

Titratable Acidity: 6.6 g/L

Best decanted and served in a large glass.

Deep crimson in colour. A dark bouquet of black fruit, inky and spiced.

This wine pushes the boundaries of savouriness, with a meaty, woody and herbaceous side that defines it and introduces a new level of complexity. A sweetness that doesn't come from juiciness, but rather from concentration, makes this blend's bouquet irresistible. A constant mineral undertone speaks of Gnadenfrei in a unique way.

On the palate the layers of texture and flavour are endless. Ripe dark berries create a beautifully rich base, with savoury notes to add intrigue and broodiness. Fragrant herbs, subtle woody tones and violet compose the most beautiful symphony that lingers infinitely on the palate. The tannins are firm, velvety and persistent. The body is full, yet this wine has an elegance that rarely belongs to Mourvèdre.

Decant and enjoy now or cellar for decades.

Deep soaking winter rains that trickled into spring provided a spectacular start to the growing season.

The moist soils minimised the threat of frosts, followed with a mild spring at bud break made for a promising start to an incredible vintage. Despite its dryness, the growing season was relatively mild. Warm days, cool nights and little to no disease pressure gave rise to fruit rich in flavour and naturally high acid, all with relatively modest sugar levels.

The wines produced from 2021 will drink well young and many, if allowed, will cellar well to remind us of the great vintage. One of the best vintages in the recent decade.

The three varietals were individually hand-picked between late March and mid-April, at their optimal level of ripeness, from the Gnadenfrei South Vineyard.

Shiraz was fully destemmed and crushed into concrete fermenters, Grenache stalks were used during fermentation, while Mourvèdre was fermented with a percentage of whole bunches. All ferments were allowed to macerate for 48 hours before inoculation. Once fermenting, the temperature of the must was kept between 20–25°C to retain perfume and freshness. Caps were managed by hand, with gentle punch downs twice daily, and whole bunches were left intact until the end. Once dry, the wines were pressed to tank to complete MLF, before being lightly racked to the cellar.

After three months aging separately, the blend was carefully put together to highlight the character of this special vineyard and champion Mourvèdre as the hero component of this cuvée. The final blend is 65% Mourvèdre, 20% Shiraz and 15% Grenache.

The wine was élevaged for a further 14 months in a new French foudre, before being racked for bottling. With months of bottle aging before release, this wine will continue to evolve and develop a complexity that is unique to Gnadenfrei and to Mourvèdre.