2023 Van Higgins 'Free Ball'

6 BOTTLES PER CUSTOMER 
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GRENACHE SOURCED FROM RENDE VINEYARD, BLEWITT SPRINGS
CINSAULT SOURCED FROM LENNON VINEYARD, MCLAREN VALE

"VAN HIGGINS" was the logical name for a wine collaboration between Vanguardist and Brash Higgins. A debut offering of a Grenache/Cinsault blend titled "Free Ball". Both winemakers, Michael Corbett of Vanguardist and Brad Hickey of Brash Higgins, have become known for their reverence of Grenache and Cinsault, respectively, with each presenting their distinct styles.

The genesis of this wine arose from shared moments during “free” evenings of cooking and savoring "baller" Rhone wines together. Inspired by these experiences and wines like Gramenon, Rayas, and L’Anglore, the duo envisioned creating a wine from their own fruit sources, highlighting the complementary cherry starburst perfume of Cinsault from coastal clay soils with the dried roses, chalky tannins, and cool acidity of Grenache from nearby sandy soils.

The winemaking process reflects their shared vision: a 50/50 blend of Grenache and Cinsault. Half the fruit was destemmed and fermented separately from the other half, which was kept intact as whole bunches. Post press, the wine was aged in 600L eggs for six months, with an additional six months in 600L demi-muid barrels. Michael and Brad, with their inspired and educated palates, sat down to taste the wines side by side. Ultimately, it was decided that the wines were most compelling when blended together, harmonizing their individual characteristics into a cohesive whole. The wines were racked and blended in tank and bottled two months later without fining or filtration.

The Grenache sourced from Vanguardist's 'Silver Sands' Rende Vineyard in Blewitt Springs brings its distinctive qualities, while the Cinsault from Lennon Vineyard, adjacent to Brash Higgins HQ in McLaren Vale, adds its own unique character. Brad grafted one of the first Cinsault blocks at this vineyard in 2013, enhancing its significance.

VAN HIGGINS “Free Ball” epitomises more than just a blend of two grape varieties and winemaking techniques; it embodies the collaborative spirit and profound friendship between two winemakers who share a deep passion for their craft.

123 dozen produced
Closure: AMORIM XPUR 49x24mm 
FSO2 at bottling: 22ppm
pH: 3.4, TA: 5.9g/L 
Alcohol: 13.4%