Wirra Wirra The Absconder Grenache 2022

“The 2022 The Absconder is a more traditional McLaren Vale take on this variety that delivers with raw power and concentration. It presents a decadent array of aromas with earthy dark cherry and chocolate, showing impressive richness and volume. It’s stacked with flavor. The tannins are ripe, dense and hold up weighty fruit through a strong finish. The 2022 is too young and needs time to reach its peak.”

Angus Hughson, Vinous

Medium depth, black cherry and rosewood tones. Volumes of ripe raspberries, black cherries and dark florals scented with baharat spice. This beautifully ripened expression is gently framed in the briar wood and hazelnut of seasoned oak, freshened with thyme and sage. Primal and vital, the compelling deep fruit and gravelly tannin of old vine grenache is swathed in layers of silky texture from time on lees. A decadent pain au chocolate of seasoned oak is the patient reward of barrel age.

From some of the oldest grenache blocks in McLaren Vale, came the opportunity to create a wine whose heritage dates back to our founder Robert Strangways Wigley’s time. Wigley was an eccentric whose lust for life had at times seen him fall foul of the law in his home town. In fact, one episode involving the ‘acquisition’ of the famous Adelaide pie-cart and a joy ride through the city streets was the catalyst for banishment to McLaren Vale. However Wigley did not abscond into the wilderness. He became known for his world class wines - including fortifieds made with the grenache of the day - and helped to build the reputation of McLaren Vale.