Alkina Polygon No. 5 Grenache, Barossa Valley

Score: WA97

The 2024 Polygon 5 Grenache is grown in the same vineyard block as the Polygon 3 Grenache (grown on a pocket of limestone), so it really highlights the distinction between the two. The vines here are 70 years old and grown on a schist soil profile, with weathered clay. This imbues the wine with density and power. It is more darkly colored in the glass. This was bottled nine months earlier than the Polygon 3, on account of it looking very ready, while the coiled limestone wine needed to be in the concrete for longer. Aromatically, this is immediately plusher, richer and more succulent than the Polygon 3 tasted alongside. Here we have dark fruit, pomegranate, satsuma plum and sweet fruit on the palate, and it is shaped by attractive sandy tannins. This is softer and plusher than the Polygon 3, though in the context of Grenache, it remains elegant and fine. This is fascinating stuff, as usual. I love the tannins. I think this will be a gorgeous drink earlier than the Polygon 3, but both will age exceptionally well. 890 bottles filled. 13.5% alcohol, sealed under natural cork.

Erin Larkin, Wine Advocate 97