Description
Parallax: Parallax is when an object appears to change its position because the person or instrument perceiving it has changed their position.
Parallax Grenache… the object is the same, Grenache… but the winery perceiving it has changed their position… hence the emergence of a neoteric expression of this classic old vine Barossa varietal…
Grenache is one of the most widely planted red wine grape varieties in the world. It is typically harvested late in the season when it is fully ripe to display gorgeous rich sweet red fruit characters and soft supple tannins with a generous and supple mouthfeel. But when harvested early in the season a divergent and equally impressive wine can result.
Parallax Grenache is picked 2-3 weeks earlier than normal and combined with fermentation on stalks and minimal maturation has resulted in an admirably divergent wine compared to the norm from this variety, showing the versatility of Grenache.
Growing Season
The 2022 vintage was excellent. Winter was significantly wetter than average getting the vines off to a brilliant start leading into Spring which was cool with median rainfall. Summer was mild and dry apart from rain on the last day. Autumn remained mild with generally perfect mid-20s weather combined with cool nights ensuring steady even ripening across all varieties. The 2022 yields were good and the quality is great, a classic Barossa vintage displaying rich flavours with fine balance.
Vineyard
Parallax is a single-vineyard wine from a low yielding Grenache vineyard. The soil is sandy loam with quartz, ironstone and subsoil clay, providing optimal conditions for these vines.
Winemaking
The grapes were crushed and all stalks were included in the fermenters to add tannin, structure and complexity. The native wild yeast from the vineyard were left to naturally ferment with temperature peaking at 30 degrees C. Heading down boards were used in the fermenters, completely submersing the skins and stalks in the fermenting juice to ensure gentle extraction. After 10 days on skins, the must was pressed to tank for natural malolactic fermentation and brief maturation prior to bottling.
Tasting Notes
Colour:
2022 Parallax is light purple-red in colour.
Aroma:
The compelling aroma is bright and perfumed. There is strawberry, herb, sweet earth, raspberry, fresh flowers and musk. It’s evolving and inviting.
Palate:
On the palate it is light-bodied and bursting with fresh fruit. It is pure and vibrant with precise generosity. Red berry fruits dominate and are matched with super fine natural chalky tannins giving a seamless backbone. A touch of minerality adds further interest and dynamism. A surprisingly long finish completes a very delicious, charming and engaging wine.
Recommended Drinking:
Parallax is best enjoyed now or over the next five years.