Description
The 2024 Grenache 100yo Vineyard is a rare, small-batch expression that stands as a tribute to the “living history” of the Barossa Valley. Sourced from a dry-grown, centenarian vineyard in the Seppeltsfield sub-region, these 100-year-old vines produce fruit of remarkable concentration and soulful complexity.
Winemaker Tom White employs a “serious” approach to this Grenache, moving away from the simple “confectionary” style to create a wine defined by its architectural tannins and savory depth.
The Terroir: A Century of Resilience
The fruit for this cuvée is hand-picked from a historic vineyard planted in the early 1900s. Located in Seppeltsfield, the site features sandy loam over rich red clay—the ideal geological mix for old-vine Grenache.
Ancient Vines: These century-old vines have reached a natural balance, producing small, thick-skinned berries that offer an “unusual freshness” and intense varietal character.
Seppeltsfield Profile: Known for imparting a lifted, aromatic profile often described as “Barossa Garrigue”—a mix of dried herbs, earth, and floral spice.
The Craft: Modern Precision meets Heritage Fruit
Tom White uses a minimalist, “vine-to-glass” approach to ensure the voice of the 100-year-old vines remains clear and unmasked.
Whole-Bunch Fermentation: Approximately 20% whole bunches are used during the ferment in traditional open fermenters. This adds an ethereal herbal lift and a fine, “crunchy” tannin structure.
Seasoned Oak Aging: The wine is matured for 12 months in seasoned French oak hogsheads. No new oak is used, ensuring the pure raspberry and cherry fruit profiles are not dominated by wood.
Purity: In keeping with the Curator Wine Co ethos, the wine is bottled unfined and unfiltered and is 100% vegan-friendly.
The Appearance: A vibrant, translucent garnet with brilliant clarity.
The Nose: Intensely aromatic and “lipsmacking.” It opens with pure notes of wild strawberry, pomegranate, and red cherry, layered with exotic spices, orange blossom, and a hint of dried thyme.
The Palate: A “wine of energy.” It features a silky, medium-bodied texture with a “seductive” core of red fruit. The whole-bunch influence provides a savory, peppery edge and fine, chalky tannins.
The Finish: Long and precise, defined by a refreshing mineral tension and a lingering note of blood orange and earth.
Producer Profile
Artistry and Old Vines in the Barossa
Curator Wine Co is a boutique Barossa Valley producer founded by winemaker Tom White, whose journey began in the Adelaide Hills and evolved into a lifelong pursuit of crafting expressive, site-driven wines.
Based in the prestigious sub-region of Marananga, the estate focuses on heritage vineyards across the Barossa’s most sought-after corners, including Seppeltsfield, Greenock, Eden Valley, and Stone Well.
Guided by a philosophy of minimal intervention, Curator’s wines are hand-harvested and naturally fermented.By avoiding fining and filtration, Tom produces vegan-friendly wines that are pure, balanced, and deeply reflective of their origins.
Each cuvée is carefully “curated” from individual vineyard blocks to highlight the unique nuances of soil, vine age, and microclimate.
The Terroir: A Map of Excellence
The strength of Curator Wine Co lies in its access to some of the most historic fruit in South Australia. By sourcing from a “patchwork” of diverse sub-regions, the estate captures a full spectrum of Barossa character.
- Marananga & Greenock: Known for producing Shiraz of immense power, dark fruit profiles, and structural depth.
- Eden Valley: Provides the high-altitude lift and cooling influence needed for elegant, floral Rieslings and spicy, refined Syrah.
- Stone Well: Contributes fruit with exceptional concentration and “earthy” complexity.
The Craft: Sustainability and Restraint
Sustainability lies at the heart of the estate. The vineyards are farmed using minimal cultivation and no herbicides or pesticides, preserving the integrity of the land for future generations.
In the cellar, traditional techniques are met with a modern, restrained approach.
Small-batch production ensures that the richness typical of the Barossa is perfectly balanced with elegance and structural precision. This “vineyard-first” mentality allows the natural voice of the old vines to speak clearly, without being overshadowed by heavy-handed winemaking.
Tasting Notes
James Halliday 93
Grenache sourced from a 90-year-old vineyard in Seppeltsfield; 20% whole bunches and 12 months in old French oak hogsheads. These cats have got grenache dialled in lately. Pure raspberry, cranberry and red cherry fruit with plenty of spice and hints of dried citrus rind, exotic spice, orange blossom, cola and earth. It has lipsmacking acidity, is crunchy and bouncy and will take a chill nicely if that’s your vibe. [James Halliday, 01/01/2025]
