Wines - Driftsand

Details

Variety
Grenache/Shiraz
Current Release
2009
First Vintage
2001
Price
$26.00 per bottle
 
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On our vineyard in the seventies, 80 year old Grenache and Shiraz bush vines were pushed out to make way for mechanised grape production. At the direction of the large companies at the time, the cleared land was replanted with high yielding white varieties to fulfil demand in the bulk market. Twenty years later, out of respect and as a tribute to the hard work and wisdom of the early German pioneers who planted the bush vines, Mum, Dad and I spent many late spring months on our knees, grafting the twenty five year old vines back to their original varieties. Grenache was traditionally planted to make fortified but these days I like to use it in this age-old blend of Grenache and Shiraz.

Tasting Notes

> 2009 Tasting Notes

Reminiscent of the 2007, this year the Driftsand is lower in alcohol than the huge 2008. It is really spicy on the nose and savoury on the palate. Pretty kinky stuff from an amazing vintage for Grenache.

> 2008 Tasting Notes

Less Rhone-like than the 2007, however, the Driftsand is always very fruit driven early on. The 2008 is big on the palate, juicy, rich and long. Being a hot vintage, this is a very masculine version of the style. It is 60% Grenache again but the Shiraz is definitely the strength of Driftsand this year.

> 2007 Tasting Notes

It was a great year for both varieties. Grenache gives the sweet perfumed, spice characters and savoury tones and the Shiraz fills out the palate, always in the background, like the oak. This is the everyday drinker taking inspiration from the Southern Rhone.

> 2006 Tasting Notes

It is the Grenache dominance (60%), which makes it so approachable. It drinks so well on its own or with your favourite pizza. The Shiraz component comes from our younger vines (27 years old) which fleshes the wine out and gives some sweetness and depth to back of the palate. Drink now or cellar and be surprised.