2022 ‘Duck, Duck, Cat’ Grenache

The second of the La Niña years proved fruitful. Strong winter rains for the second year running put life back into the Valley, and after catching their breath in 2021, the vines were raring to go.

Spring was littered with major weather events like strong winds, harsh frosts and window smashing hail. Luckily, it all went around our vineyard and the vines ticked along contently.

Early summer was classically dry, although late summer rain and humidity created perfect conditions for botrytis to grow.

Hand picking to avoid the bulk of this botrytis on the 5th of April 2022, and destemming everything to get the bits we might’ve missed, the Grenache was fermented on skins for 7 days before being pressed to seasoned French and American hogsheads, set aside to mature for 13 months.

Pulled from barrel in June 2023 and allowed to gravity settle while we attended various Good Food and Wine Shows, the wine was racked a few times and sent for bottling in August 2023.

92 points – Ken Gargett, Wine Pilot

The wonderfully named Grenache from the Barossa is back with a new vintage, and definitely an exciting one. And remember, every bottle sold contributes to the local Barossa Wildlife Rescue operation. Drink well and save the world. This is the second release of this wine, from their single acre of their Grenache, planted back in 1944. I really hope that winelovers are jumping on board the great Aussie Grenache train, whether they come from the Barossa, McLaren Vale or wherever. So many crackers. Here we have a vibrant purple colour. Mulberries, chocolate, florals, this is fresh and exuberant. There are notes of red currants and a whiff of musk. Lovely focus here, right through to the very fine, if ever-so-slightly sandy tannins. A fresh, delicious Grenache for drinking over the next 2-3 years, though it will surely go much further if you can resist.
Drink by: 2022-2025

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92 points – Ray Jordan, Wine Pilot

This is a modern medium bodied Grenache designed to capture all that is good in this variety from the Barossa Valley. Opens with a slightly damp earthy, rose petal and light lifted red fruit nuance. The palate is smoothly textured with a fine integrated tannin and oak contribution. Sweet chocolate and a balancing dried herb character provides a nice combination. Slippery and smooth.
Drink by: 2022-2030

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91 points – Jeni Port, Wine Pilot

Easy drinking all the way with a flood of plum, dark cherries, anise and light spice saturating the tastebuds. There’s plenty of bounce here, both flavour-wise and in the lively purple-dark cherry bright colour. It’s a fine follow-up to the 2020 DDC with the same degree of attention in bringing out the fruit’s delicious spice, tasty black and red fruits, chocolate with just a hint of varietal-led confection. This is a wine intended to be enjoyed now with oak nicely in balance and understated to the fruit. [read full review]
Drink by: 2022-2026

Silver Medal – 2021 Winewise Small Vigneron Awards

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Dan Traucki, Wine Assist
“A new label to me—made from vines planted in 1944. Superb depth of bright purple colour, aromas of red berries, spices & a hint of brambliness, a lovely appealing mouthful of plummy flavours with dash of dried herbs & a sensational long lingering finish. UTTERLY DIVINE.”

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91 points – Jeni Port, Wine Pilot
There’s a lovely story behind this cracker of a wine. In 2020, Genista not only crushed its first grenache, but adopted two Muscovy ducks and a tabby cat from the Barossa Wildlife Rescue (BWR), hence the wine’s name. And the story gets better because Genista’s owners – Lloyd and Sarah – will donate $3 from the sale of every bottle of Duck, Duck, Cat to the BWR. Reason enough to buy a bottle or two. And, I might add, it’s one smart wine, showcasing what we might call the new, improved Australian winemaking approach to grenache that propels fruit and spice forward rather than oak and alcohol. [read full review]
Drink by: 2022-2026

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91 points – Ken Gargett, Wine Pilot
An appealing crimson colour. The nose offers an array of aromas; warm earth, strawberries, roast meats and old leather. The palate is of mid-weight and there is a supple texture, through to very fine tannins, though they are a touch gritty, as one often encounters with this grape. Bright acidity too so drink over the next three to four years, and probably much longer. Very attractive. [read full review]
Drink by: 2022-2026