Clarendon Hills Kangarilla Vineyard Old Vines Grenache 1999

Clarendon Hills Kangarilla Vineyard Old Vines Grenache (Clarendon Hills) 1999: This wine has a fairly deep, medium ruby colour with an earthy tinge. The nose takes a little while to open up, but then offers aromas of black cherries, smouldering hickory, white pepper and garrigue herbs. Medium to full bodied on the palate, with some peppery cherry fruit, slightly oily mouthfeel, chalky tannins and appropriate acidity. Plenty of pepper on the finish. But is there a trace of heat damage? Nevertheless, good wine. 15.5?/20 (30/5/03)