2024 Jauma Like Raindrops Grenache

James Erskine has been leading the charge for pure, energetic McLaren Vale grenache for over a decade, and this 2024 release is a great example of his hands-off approach. Sourced from organic, iron-rich shale and schist plots up in Clarendon, it completely steps away from the heavy, over-extracted styles that used to dominate the region.  

Instead, James focuses on a lighter, much more vibrant blueprint. It gets the typical Jauma treatment: completely destemmed, zero additions, no filtration, and a crown seal to lock in the absolute freshness of the fruit.

The wine is remarkably bright and crunch-driven, packed with a rustic mix of crushed forest berries and a spicy, star anise edge. There’s a beautiful, long line of acidity running straight through a fleshy, unforced core, giving it a real sense of immediacy and superb drinkability. It is just an honest, joyful light red that takes beautifully to a quick chill.