Print this Wine         1998 Hill of Content "Old Vines" Grenache-Shiraz   CLARE VALLEY                 January Release   Grenache       The introduction of this wine has proved a great success. Parcels of fruit are selected from mature dry grown vines and are blended together to produce a traditional Australian full bodied red wine that can be enjoyed at a young age with all the fresh fruit being so overwhelming. Generally the big Aussie red requires plenty of time to soften because they are heavily extracted. By the time the palate is soft the fruit flavor has developed into the secondary characters. This is a Grenache predominant blend with approximately 81% Grenache and the balance Shiraz. In tasting the wine you could be forgiven for believing that it is almost 50-50. In no way does this mean that the Grenache is diluted, just that the Shiraz is extremely powerful. Immediately there is abundant fresh raspberry, strawberry and plums flavors on the bouquet. The fruit is very concentrated and fresh. The wine, however, is not just a simple fruit driven wine as there is spicy overtones and a herbal component as well. The palate sees all these fresh fruit characters really coming to life. It sits quite comfortably as a medium to full bodied wine. There is plenty of viscosity which is a direct function of old vines and low yields. Also towards the back of the palate you can just detect a hint of oak playing a minor but significant supporting role. Whilst the wine has plenty of attractive fresh fruity notes it also has structure. There is chalky tannin combining at the finish with tingling acid. Drink the wine now by all means because it is most enjoyable but it will age and develop over the next 4-6 years. If you are planning to drink the wine in the near future the two key components in the wine are the freshness of fruit and the tingling sensation of the acid. This makes the wine quite versatile in the matching of food. Try Quail, marinated, the char grilled and served with a sweet chilli dipping sauce, however there are many alternatives.

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