2023 Jauma Ralphs Dry Grown Grenache

Jauma’s Ralphs Grenache is the cornerstone of James Erskine’s celebrated natural wine range. From its stunning aromatics to its refined structure, this wine epitomises why Jauma has become a beacon of the Australian natural wine scene. Painfully limited in quantity, it’s a must-grab for fans of elegant, site-driven Grenache.

The fruit comes from Ralph Wood’s organically farmed, dry-grown bush vines in Clarendon. Sitting at 280 metres on shallow grey sand over ironstone, this east-facing vineyard has been James’s muse for over a decade. The 30-year-old vines, rooted directly in their native soil, deliver low-yield, intensely flavoured fruit. The 2023 vintage saw the grapes destemmed, left on skins for a month, and aged for a year in a single mature French puncheon, bottling this remarkable site with no additions.

This Grenache shines with perfumed notes of rose and wild strawberry, underpinned by a fine structure that nods to Nebbiolo. The palate is light on its feet yet firmly supported by crunchy tannins and fresh acidity, making it as complex as it is approachable.

With just 500 bottles produced, this is a rare glimpse into one of McLaren Vale’s most distinctive Grenache sites. Don’t blink—it won’t stay on shelves for long.