WINE REVIEW
The Grand follows in the footsteps of Lee Dyer’s recently released Grand Reserve. Taking influence from the oak-aged wines of Rioja, this 100% Dornfelder spent 36 months maturing in oak barrels, and has spent a further 48 months ageing in bottle prior to release.
This is once again a compelling and brilliant release from Winbirri, which, in my opinion, is unparalleled in England right now.
On the nose, surprisingly bright black fruit (for a ten-year-old English red wine) is met with cured meat, old leather and red rose petal aromas, with quite a big hit of oak spice.
On the palate there’s lots of blackcurrant – the fruit has a lovely acidity and tang to it that balances the deep savoury and spicy notes. Whilst overall this is medium to light-bodied, there’s still a concentration, depth and surrounding oak complexity that is hugely welcoming.
I simply can’t think of a better English red wine to open during the Christmas period. This is brilliant work, and again shows why the Dornfelder grape absolutely should not be written off.
