TN: 2011 Cirillo 1850 Grenache, Barossa Valley. Oldest Grenache Vines on Earth!

2011 Cirillo 1850 Ancestor Vine Grenache, Barossa Valley. I’ve been wanting to try this wine for a while now as it supposedly comes from the oldest known Grenache vines in the world which were planted in 1850, and I was finally able to source one here in the states with a little age on it. Screw-cap closure so the wine was in perfect condition, and it poured a rusty and fairly translucency red color with an excellent nose of red berries, cinnamon, and a hint of glycerin that, fortunately, disappeared quickly after a little air. In the mouth, this was a complete surprise. Yes the cranberry, earthy red berries and baking spice were on full display…but what stands out more than anything is the acidity. This wine is literally GUSHING with acidity. It is meshing perfectly with the super old vine fruit and creating an absolutely spectacular, medium minus bodied mouth-feel. What a treat! Loved this wine and will absolutely be looking for more!

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A wonderful wine, Rich.

2011 was perhaps the most difficult vintage of the past 50 years in the Barossa. Marco Cirillo made an absolute blinder in that 1850’s Grenache. I showed a bottle to Jean-Marc Vincent and Olivier Lamy a few years ago and they were both blown away at how good it was.

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Thanks Jeremy! I appreciate your comment as it helps validate that im not crazy for how much i loved this wine, ha! It was a completely singular, and absolutely delicious bottle. Wish it was easier to find here in the states! Cheers bud! :cheers:

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You know you’re drinking the “shizzle” when Jeremy Holmes comments. :sunglasses:

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Right!! Pretty sure Jeremy probably sees my other TN threads, chuckles to himself, and then continues scrolling while sipping on some ridiculous early 1900’s Barolo, ha!