Product Information:
The 2023 The Old Legend Grenache is living up to the high expectations set by its Jimmy Watson-winning predecessor. Ranked as the #1 Grenache in Barossa, according to The Real Review, Aaron Brasher gives it a stellar 96 points, calling it "a glorious grenache that delivers seamless aromatics and palate. Very classy gear." Aromas of potpourri, dried herbs, purple flowers, and sarsaparilla rise from the glass. On the palate, flavours saturate every corner with blueberry, creamy red fruits, and five spice. Silky tannins and fresh acidity round out the seamless finish.
In 2022, Hentley Farm took home Australia’s most prestigious wine award at the Melbourne Royal Wine Show. Chief winemaker Andrew Quin remarked, “We are very proud of the continued recognition we’ve received at the largest and most respected wine shows in the country for the 2021 Old Legend Grenache. Winning the Jimmy Watson Memorial Trophy is the epitome of success.” As a result, subsequent vintages face the challenge of living up to their own lofty standards.
Grenache has been a staple in the Barossa for over 150 years, and The Old Legend pays homage to the region's Grenache heritage. The winemaking process involved 30% whole bunch fermentation and 40% extended skin maceration for 75 days. Aged in 100% seasoned French oak, the wine underwent natural malolactic fermentation and matured for eight months, adding depth and complexity.
Maker:
Hentley Farm was established in 1997 by Keith and Alison Henschke with a singular vision: to craft exceptional single-estate wines from the Barossa Valley. With an Agricultural Science and Wine Marketing degree from Roseworthy College, Keith acquired extensive industry experience before seeking the perfect site in the Barossa, guided by advice from local experts to look for “red-brown soil over limestone.”
The extreme diversity of soil, aspect, and altitude at Hentley Farm required careful planning in terms of varietal and clone selection, row spacing, trellising, and water management. The estate vineyards feature Shiraz (70%), Grenache (17%), Cabernet Sauvignon (10%), Zinfandel (2%), and a small parcel of Viognier (0.5%). Their first wines were released in 2002.
Since 2008, Head Winemaker Andrew Quin has overseen Hentley Farm’s evolution, focusing on crafting modern wines from traditional Barossa varieties. The wines are varietally diverse, approachable in their youth, yet structured for extended cellaring. Under Andrew’s guidance, Hentley Farm has become one of Australia’s leading boutique wineries, earning accolades worldwide, including the 2015 James Halliday Winery of the Year.
Vineyard:
Located in Seppeltsfield, Barossa, Hentley Farm's Grenache comes from blocks C3 and E1, featuring shallow red clay loam over shattered limestone. The north-south oriented rows and elevated eastern aspect contribute to the wine's vibrancy and intensity. Harvest took place from March 18 to April 24, 2023, capturing the full expression of this unique terroir.
The 2023 vintage experienced consistent winter rainfall and above-average spring rainfall, leading to healthy canopies and strong fruit set. Mild temperatures during spring and early summer, free from extreme heat, fostered ideal growing conditions. Summer saw below-average rainfall, and light rainfall in autumn allowed for delayed ripening, resulting in gradual flavour accumulation and excellent natural acidity—perfect conditions for a successful harvest.
Nose – Turkish Delight, Raspberry, Fennel Flower
Potpourri, dried herbs, violets, blueberry, sarsaparilla, and Asian spice.
Palate – Strawberry, Plush Fruit, Pink Peppercorn
Mouth-filling, textured, and offering lovely purity and weight. Blue fruits, spice, earth, cherry, and creamy red fruits.
Finish – Fine Silken Tannin, Spicy, Mocha
Layered, silky tannins with acidity that brings plenty of snap to the finish.
Alluring and heady aromas of pot-pourri, dried herbs, violets, blueberry, sarsaparilla and Asian spice. Mouth-filling, textured and with lovely purity and weight. Blue fruits, spice, earth, cherry and creamy red fruits are all at play. The tannins are layered and silken and the acidity brings plenty of ping and snap to the finish. A glorious grenache that delivers seamless aromatics and palate. Very classy gear. - Aaron Brasher, The Real Review, 96 Points.
The Finer Details
Style - Red Wine
Varietal - Grenache
Country - Australia
Region - Barossa Valley, South Australia
Vintage - 2023
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 14.5%
