The Vanguardist range represents the epitome of what we are about. Pushing the realms of standard winemaking to deliver intrigue, excitement and full recognition of this special and distinct terroir. Ultimate dedication to the craft of viticulture and winemaking, encapsulated in a bottle – through our lens.

SINGLE SITE: LENNON VINEYARD, MCLAREN VALE

Following on from the Van Higgins (Vanguardist/Brash Higgins) Grenache/Cinsault collaboration project in 2023, we were eager to build an ongoing relationship and establish the inclusion of this variety into our portfolio. Michael has worked with this variety for many of vintages whilst in the South West of France.


VINEYARD:
Owned by Michael Lennon, the Cinsault (along with Mourvedre and Carignan) was planted in 2013 following the request made by our close friend, Brad Hickey of Brash Higgins. Brad oversees the viticulture program with Michael Lennon.

The vineyard is located closer to the ocean, sitting on grey and red mottled clay soils, which contribute richness, depth, and density to the resulting wines.

VINTAGE:
2025 vintage in McLaren Vale is defined by its remarkable intensity and vibrancy. Shaped by the region's warm, dry growing season which was the driest since 2003.

HARVEST:
Hand harvested on the 18th February 2025.

VINIFICATION:
Approximately one-third of the fruit was retained as whole bunches and was fermented gently for six weeks prior to drain and press (décuvage). Élevage followed in 600L demi-muid for nine months prior to bottling in December.

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Closure: DIAM Origine 10 
FS02: at bottling 18ppm
TSO2: 55ppm
pH: 3.48
TA: 5.2g/L
Alcohol: 12.1%
Bottle when empty: 450g

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THE WINE FRONT

Lennon’s Vineyard. One third whole bunch. 600L older oak. I’m mad for good frisky Cinsault.

Strawberry and raspberry with a kiss of sweetness, plenty of exotic spice, souk-y even, peanut shells, almond, lively perfume. Medium-bodied, lightly sappy, cranberry freshness, red fruits, slightly dusty white peppery tannin, lots of crunch and ‘mineral’ on a finish of excellent length. So delicious. Such joy. Brings a huge smile to the face. I’m all about this style of wine.

95 POINTS
GARY WALSH

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HALLIDAY
From the Lennon vineyard. About a third whole bunch and an extended time on skins of six weeks, then élevage in demi-muid. Pale in the glass, fragrant and savoury, in the Vanguardist way. This is another new wine in the V range. Faded violets, dehydrated strawberry and cherry, and white pepper. Grapey, skinsy of flavour, but skirting marc characters. Sichuan pepper and cloves, dialled down. Orange rind, dried and ground, sumac, bastourma. It’s diaphanous, a veil of dried fruit and spice, dry toned yet lissom, and very good. Australian cinsault is having something of a moment, and this is one of the finest examples.

95 POINTS
MARCUS ELLIS