Willunga 100 is a boutique McLaren Vale producer dedicated to showcasing the region’s exceptional old-vine Grenache. Founded in 2005 after discovering remarkable 50-year-old bush-vine sites, the winery champions single-varietal Grenache and vibrant regional blends. McLaren Vale’s ancient 500-million-year-old soils, Mediterranean climate, and low-yielding old vines create intensely flavoured, expressive wines. Named after the historic “Hundred of Willunga” established in 1839, the winery sources much of its fruit from this area, crafting award-winning wines that celebrate the unique character of McLaren Vale.

This single vineyard Grenache sourced from Bernard Smart’s vineyard in Clarendon, McLaren Vale. The dry grown bush vines were planted in 1922 on loamy soils over red-brown clay and bedrock. Vineyard is situated at 230m above sea level on a South-East facing slope.

Fruit was hand harvested, destemmed and whole berry sorted into stainless steel open fermenters. The whole berry ferment spent 10 days on skins, during which time it was gently plunged to ensure optimum extraction whilst maintaining the delicate aromatics. Wine was basket pressed off skins before maturation and malolactic fermentation on lees majority in stainless steel to retain fruit purity and freshness.

Tasting Notes

"A layered and floral nose of fresh lavender, flowering thyme and sage, along with bright red berry and dark cherry fruits. The palate is layered and complex whilst maintaining elegance.  It has a mineral rich, structural palate with characters of wet slate, savoury cherry fruit, hints of warm spice and bright pomegranate like acidity. It is layered and has a fine and lingering finish." Willunga 100