Old Vine Moppa Grenache 2022

Estate Grown | Single Vineyard | Hand Picked | Basket Pressed

Old Vine Grenache is sourced from a 3-acre vineyard grown on the southern slope of Moppa Hill.  The contoured single vineyard was planted by Carl Albert Kalleske and son Ian in 1962.  It has an elevation of 350 metres above sea level.  Planted in ancient sandy soil, the vine roots are anchored deep into the orange clay and quartz stone reef below.  The Moppa sandy soils are rich in iron minerals.

The unique small bunches grown are handpicked and yields are always low.  The berries when ripe are very black in colour, thick skinned and rich in flavour and tannin.  The grapes were handpicked on the 13^th of April, 100% de-stemmed and whole berries to a 5 tonne open top fermenter.  Cold soaked for 5 days, fermentation and extended maceration were carried out for a further 22 days.  2 pump overs per day, after time on skins, wine drained to barrel and hand-dug skins to basket press.

Appearance:  Inky black almost to the rim with just a touch of crimson to separate the core.

Aroma:  The nose is layered and expressive, opening with rich blackberry and ripe plum, followed by black cherry and violet lift.  And a subtle savoury edge of roast meats, liquorice, olive tapenade, cracked pepper and dried herbs.  French oak maturation lends fine spice notes of cedar, clove, and cocoa without overpowering the fruit.

Palate:  The full-bodied palate is concentrated and beautifully structured.  Dark berry fruits carry through with mulberry and blackcurrant at the core, supported by graphite-like tannins and a cool, mineral line shaped by elevation and aspect.  The oak is seamlessly integrated, adding texture rather than weight.  Long and composed on the finish, with lingering dark fruit, spice, and a gentle savoury persistence that invites another sip.  A Shiraz of balance and restraint, shaped by altitude, aspect, and careful élevage—both powerful and finely detailed.

Region:  100% Barossa Valley

Sub Region:  100% Moppa Hill

Bottled:  Unfined and unfiltered on 18^th of December 2024

Production:  200 dozen

pH:  3.50

Total Acid:  6.16 g/L

Alcohol:  14.9%

Maturation:  18 months in 10% new French and 90% seasoned French oak hogsheads.

Winemaker:  Shawn Kalleske

Cellaring Potential:  25 years with careful cellaring

Last Tasted:  31/05/2026