Alkina Polygon No. 3 Grenache, Barossa Valley

Score: WA98

The 2024 Polygon 3 Grenache was picked on February 16 and 19 (2023 was almost two weeks later) at lows of 12 Baume. The fruit for this cuvee is grown on a patch (0.27 hectares) of chalky/sandy white limestone and schist (the drainage is very good). It isn’t sitting in the clay with the water-holding capacity of the other Polygon – this impacts the ripening time, i.e. it brings it forward. In 2024, 1.3 tons of fruit was picked, and the wine was made with 75% whole bunches in the ferments. Aromatically, the wine is floral and leafy, with rose petals, soft leaf sage, green olives, crushed shells and soft briney notes. This is so attractively perfumed and delicate, yet on the palate, the tannins are superb – shapely, structural, gritty and grippy. This is a beautiful thing. I loved the restraint of the 2023s, but the open, effortlessness of the 2024s is unreal. This wine is delicate, fine, lacy, supple and long. It is magnificent. 790 bottles filled. 13% alcohol, sealed under natural cork.

Erin Larkin, Wine Advocate 98