Made by kiwi (but Australian based) winemaker Chris Ringland – the label named after the initials of those involved: Ringland, Bruce and Johnstone. Each have 1ha of old vines Grenache and Mourvèdre dry-grown in the Ebenezer district of the northern Barossa. Looking to the wines of the Southern Rhone, in particular the Côtes du Rhône blends of Grenache and Mourvèdre made popular by winemakers such as Chapoutier and Guigal.
A dense, opaque garnet burgundy colour in the glass. The bouquet shows blackberry, plum and raspberry, with a savoury layer that includes beef stock, tapenade and terracotta notes. Medium-weight, it is certainly more Chateauneuf in expression than many of the modern Grenache-based wines we’re seeing coming from the Barossa today. Really well-balanced, with a brightness of acidity and juice, but also a frame of toasty oak and fine tannin. At 25 years in bottle (and under cork), this is probably at its peak, and was a great foil for steaks and veal cheeks around the table. 95pts
