2023 Van Higgins Free Ball Grenache Cinsault

"Here we go! This is everything I love about modern McLaren Vale - pure red fruits, perfume and freshness, lovely fine tannin. A seriously smashable blend from two of our great winemaker mates in Brash and MJC. Proud to offer this little gem exclusively to our customers. Get some!"
- Tom Hollings (Different Drop Co-Founder / Wine Buyer)

We are thrilled to be the only retailer in the country to offer you access to this exciting collaboration between two of McLaren Vale's finest producers.

The Van Higgins "Free Ball" Grenache Cinsault is a 50/50 blend from the creative minds of good mates Michael J. Corbett (Vanguardist) and Brad Hickey (Brash Higgins). It was conceived over many late nights sharing bottles of 'baller' (hence Free Ball) reds from some of the Rhone Valley's finest, the likes of Gramenon, Rayas, and L’Anglore, a medium-weight red blend that captures the best of McLaren Vale is where they settled.

It's a deliciously harmonious blend of Grenache and Cinsault, each variety bringing its unique flair to the table. The Grenache comes from the gnarled 'goblet' bush vines on Vanguardist's 'Silver Sands' Rende Vineyard in Blewitt Springs. The Cinsault comes from the Lennon Vineyard in McLaren Vale, just outside the front door to Brash Higgins HQ. Half the fruit was destemmed and the other half kept as whole bunches, then ageing in a combo of 600L ceramic eggs and demi-muid barrels. This kept the wine fresh and bright, focused on the excellent fruit quality on display, without the hindrance of heavy-handed oak.

We love the freshness and flow of this wine. It's all red and blue fruit, some frisky spice, floral accents and beautifully shaped tannin that lingers long on the palate.

There were only 123 dozen made and it is only available from the two producers' websites and here at Different Drop.

93 points
"A bold pop of ripe cherry, dried roses, a bit sappy, dried herbs, raspberry too. It’s medium-bodied, a lively and vibrant wine, cherry soda and some turned earth, rosehip tea, fennel crunch, bright cranberry acidity, there’s some clay-like things, and dusty tannin grip, with a juicy/savoury finish of excellent length. It’s fun, and it drinks a treat. Spicy and interesting."
- Gary Walsh (The Wine Front)