Harris Vineyard Grenache

The Harris vineyard, planted to Grenache in 2002, celebrates the traditional bush vine growing methods of the Barossa Valley pioneering grape growers.

This single site Grenache comes from the Harris Vineyard located in Marananga on the western ridge of the Barossa Valley. Grown as bush vines in iron stone rich brown loam and clay soils the resulting wine is highly expressive with fragrant aromatics, tension and balance.

A bush vine is a grapevine without a trellis and is pruned to form a “goblet” shape, to separate the bunches of fruit. Low to the ground these vines benefit from the warmth of the earth to create an ideal ripening condition. Grenache is best suited to this bush vine growing technique because of the upright orientation of its shoots.

At the heart of this wine is a soft plump cherry fruit core and soft mouth coating tannins. The bouquet offers sweet raspberries and ripe cherry, further lifted with a complex array of black pepper, violets and liquorice.

Current Vintage 2022
The 2022 vintage was characterised by above average winter rains making up for a dry autumn, leading to full canopies and healthy vines for the harvest. A severe hail storm across some parts of the Valley in late October resulted in lower average yields. The summer was remarkably mild with very few days above 30 degrees. Slow ripening in the cooler conditions made for a gentle and drawn out vintage season, resulting in wines with higher natural acidity, rich colours and fine tannins. The wines from 2022 will reward those patient enough to cellar them away
Current Vintage 2020
Strong winds at flowering at the beginning of the growing season reduced berry and bunch count in many vineyards.  The difficult seasonal conditions continued up to harvest- a dry winter and spring were followed by very hot and dry December and January.  2020 was a difficult season to manage for both grower and winemaker with yields much lower than anticipated. Older vineyards with deeper roots remained steadfast under these conditions and produced small volumes of deeply concentrated wines from the lower yields. Semillon and Viognier were the starring whites, with delicate flavours and aromas. While the yields have been small, the overall quality has created deeply coloured and textured wines that resonate their place of origin.
Current Vintage 2018
An above average winter rainfall led into a below average spring and summer rainfall, producing small bunches and small berries, leading to a reduced yield. Quality was certainly high, particular amongst our red varieties of Shiraz, Grenache and Mataro. 2018 wines will be remembered for their impressive colour, structure and longevity.    
Current Vintage 2017
After a cold and rainy winter in 2016, the Barossa had one of its wettest springs on record, replenishing sub-soil moisture and setting the vineyards up for a healthy summer. Mild conditions during veraison and light rains in January and February 2017, were followed by an extended warm, dry Indian summer, creating perfect ripening conditions through to April 2017. An outstanding vintage producing bright, aromatic whites and intense, well-structured reds.
Current Vintage 2016
Despite a dry winter during 2015, rains in January and March 2016, freshened the older vines and provided long, slow ripening periods in between, which led to a stand-out vintage with high quality fruit.

$45.00


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2022 - tasting notes and reviews

Get a detailed breakdown of the Harris Vineyard Grenache 2022 vintage:

Download the Winemaker's note

2020 - tasting notes and reviews

Get a detailed breakdown of the Harris Vineyard Grenache 2020 vintage:

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2018 - tasting notes and reviews

Get a detailed breakdown of the Harris Grenache 2018 vintage:

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2017 - tasting notes and reviews

Get a detailed breakdown of the Harris Grenache 2017 vintage:

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2016 - tasting notes and reviews

Get a detailed breakdown of the Harris Grenache 2016 vintage

Download the winemaker's notes

James Halliday Wine Companion Review 2019