Col Mountain Grenache is a beautifully detailed and fragrant expression of the variety, showcasing Wild Duck Creek’s bold yet increasingly refined winemaking style. Bright crimson in the glass, it opens with lifted aromas of raspberry, red cherry, wild herbs and crushed rose petals, supported by hints of spice and earth.
The palate is supple and medium-bodied, with silky tannins and a vivid line of acidity carrying pure red fruit flavours through to a long, elegant finish. A portion of whole bunches adds aromatic lift and savoury complexity, while careful oak handling ensures the fruit remains front and centre. Both charming and quietly serious, it’s a compelling modern Australian Grenache with a strong sense of place.
Col Mountain Vineyard is situated at the eastern foot of Mt Camel in the centre of the region. Mt Camel is the southernmost peak of the Colbinabbin Range which stretches some 25 kilometres from north to south. The soils are Cambrian period volcanic soils; however, the uniqueness of this site when compared to other vineyards on the range is the volume of ironstone in the soil. Unlike any other vineyard site along the range, these rocks are large and plentiful. This allows free drainage of the soils and expresses itself as a slightly ferrous mineral type character in the wines. The fruit that comes from this site is unusually low in pH, creating clean and crisp wines full of vitality. Col Mountain Grenache is fermented in open stainless steel fermenters, with up to 20% whole bunches included in the ferment. The grapes are then gently pressed, and the wine is matured in a 2500L French oak foudre along with a new and a couple of seasoned French oak hogsheads. Maturation is 16-18 months.
