2023 L.A.S. Vino 'Granite' Grenache
THE FINAL BLEND
After hearing that one of the most unique vineyards in Western Australia was to be destroyed, we made one final blend from it to truly express the magic of the site. Crafted from bush-vines grown in granite rock at 300m elevation in the ferguson valley—it’s a special final release from the best parcels of fruit. Fermented for 100 days on skins to build weight and complexity. Before gently pressing to large format oak and amphorae for maturation. In comparison to the 'Granite' Grenache this unique final blend is a smaller batch with a little more tannin, weight, and complexity. Drink now until 2030.
VINEYARD
Strikingly beautiful at 350m above sea level, the vineyard sits on a steep north facing slope in the middle of the Ferguson Valley. Bush vines sprawl across the bare land and remain unirrigated, with fruit sitting just above the ground.
Due to the elevation and high winds the vineyard needs minimal sprays and there are no herbicides or pesticides used. Throughout the vineyard large granite rocks punctuate the gravelly loam top soil. There isn’t a vineyard we have seen that is anything like this and the resulting wine expression of that.
WINERY
Naturally fermented, pumped over once a day and fermented cool to retain aroma. Fermented with the addition of 10-20% whole bunches which provide both structure and aromatics. Post ferment a large portion is left on skins and bunches for 100 days to develop structure and weight. The wine is then pressed into a 675L amphora and 3 year old oak barrels where it matures for 11 months on lees, prior to bottling un-fined with a light filtration
WINE
Its delicate, elegant, perfumed but has beautiful structure and length. Poise and refined power in the same bottle. Flavours of cherry, campari, rhubarb and cranberries and forest floor.
2022 L.A.S. Vino 'Granite' Grenache
"This is super light in color, as was the 2021 before it, and the wine leads with fresh strawberries, watermelon, pink peppercorns and clove. This is febrile and super fine, with an ashy shade of tannin through the fruit. It has blood and crushed rocks in equal measure, and there is something evocative within the wine that speaks of the wind-blown granite site from whence it came. This is a remarkable wine.
As a side note. I tasted this wine again today, and I can now fluently explain to you that these Granite Grenache wines have a distinct Etna Rosso/Nerello Mascalese quality to them. I see watermelon (and blood and ferrous and tea tannin and grit) in those wines, and I see watermelon in these wines too."
94 points
Erin Larkin - The Wine Advocate.
2022 L.A.S. Vino 'Granite' Grenache
'What a lovely, perfumed and oh-so-light grenache. It’s a pale ruby hue, heady with Middle Eastern spices, roses and rosehips, and lemony accents with a hint of menthol. The palate is super fine, subtle even, with delicate tannins encasing a juicy core full of invigorating acidity and fruit. A delicate rendition, it is a delicious drink for today. Love it.'
94 Points Jane Faulkner
Halliday's Wine Companion
2022 L.A.S. Vino 'Granite' Grenache
"From the relatively unsung Ferguson Valley of Western Australia comes this pale grenache off bush vines.It’s a few pay grades up from a rose and up for it. Pale, shiny garnet in colour, scents of rose hip tea, raspberry, cherry and Campari. The palate more cranberry and cherry juice, some quite distinct grippy tannins and tart acidity doing good for refreshment factor. It’s lithe and light feeling but delivers moreish satisfaction and drinkability."
93 Points - The Wine Front-
2021 L.A.S. Vino 'Granite' Grenache
"Poached strawberry and spice, nutty, a little ferrous, fresh mint and rose petals. Medium-bodied, a little sappy with a pleasant blood orange bitterness, light coal dust tannin, the combination of plump red fruits and amaro herbs works really well. A little peppery and washy, but good drinking. A lot of interest."
93 Points - The Wine Front-
2020 L.A.S. Vino 'Granite' Grenache
"Pale ruby in colour; there's a sappy element to the fruit that indicates whole bunch during fermentation. It's interesting, the paler colour and developing tones of leather on the nose indicate development, yet the palate is vibrant and juicy. And the wine continues to grow in complexity. There's a seamless texture and puckering tension that adds dimension. This is complex and delicious with some smoked-meat and ferrous flavours starting to emerge. A delicious wine that makes you work a little for it, but it's worth it"
95 Points
Gabrielle Poy The Real Review
2020 L.A.S. Vino 'Granite' Grenache
"This totally modern style of Aussie grenache is medium-light red- purple coloured, with foresty, earthy, root vegetable aromas that point to whole bunch fermentation. Medium-bodied, the fruit is centre stage but it's not 'fruity'. It's more interesting than that."
93/100 Gourmet Traveller Wine
2020 L.A.S. Vino 'Granite' Grenache
"This is a glossy, glam grenache, light weight, pale but bright in colour, fragrant with rose hip tea and Campari scents with a little dusting of clove spice. Similar flavours, bitter in a pleasing way, almost a botanical-herbal thing going on, finishes bitter and dusty-chewy/woody. Amaro vibes. Good swish of gummy tannins. Really pleasing drink."
Mike Bennie The Wine Front
Previous Reviews
Bright, raspberry red colour, translucent. Bunchy and bright aromatics of red fruits, rhubarb and cranberries - sapid. Juicy and supple, pinot-esque. It's pretty and perfumed and sinewed. Re-defining style.
94/100
A picnic, a portable speaker, some bites from the deli, a bottle of light red , a few mismatched glasses and friends. Spotify plalist here.