Alpha Box & Dice
Alpha Box & Dice
McLaren Vale, Australia
Alpha Box & Dice was formed as a laboratory for viticultural exploration in 2008, with a crazy wonderful goal constructing a different wine style to represent every letter of the alphabet. Each member of the ‘Alphabet of Wine’ is has its own unique personality that fulfils a different purpose. Though no two wines are created alike, AB&D wines are all linked by their environment and surroundings, being created holistically through minimal intervention.
Their name is a concatenation of alphabet and the Australian slang expression, ‘the whole box and dice’, meaning everything, or the entire lot.
The négociant-winery is run by two young brothers, Dylan and Justin Fairweather, and 28-year-old winemaker Sam Berketa. They took over from previous owner Justin Lane in 2013, continuing his alphabetical journey. So far they’ve taken in grapes from all corners of Australia, focusing on alternative varieties and unproven territory. To date, their colourful alphabet has covered off 20 out of 26.
AVAILABLE WINES
Address : 8 Olivers Road, McLaren Vale, South Australia 5171
Website : https://www.alphaboxdice.com
Alpha Box & Dice
Alpha Box & Dice
Tarot Grenache
The late-ripening grenache soaks up the McLaren Vale sun, expressing it in Tarot through concentrated cinnamon-cherry compote, ripe tayberries and raspberry jam, with an earthy, savoury currant underneath. The generous palate is cushioned with soft, plush tannins and is seasoned with ample pink peppercorns. Partial whole bunch, this undergoes a short maceration and ferment before time in stainless, keeping the tannins low and fruit youthful and bright.
“A sensual and aromatic grenache with an abundance of cassis jelly and lovely spice. Red fruit and saltiness dominate the palate. Engaging, upbeat, characterful and complex without the trappings of excessive winemaking and heavy oak spice. Despite its characteristic level of alcohol, there is an almost ethereal tread to the wine. Undeniably crushable that features considerable length. Tasted October 2021.” - 93 points, Sara d’Amato, WineAlign.com
“From a plan, ideal and intendment to blast away from the past and do grenache in a fresh, open-knit, fragrant and crunchy McLaren Vale red fruit style. A grenache not too long ago noted as one to “chuck it in the fridge and drink it," as per the sage advice of Alpha Box & Dice’s Dylan Fairweather. The flat out juicy tang, country twang and pleasure this fine grenache elicits is truly exceptional. Honest, proper and the way wines should be. No bullshit, baggage nor skeletons neither. Save for the label. Pour this for your neighbours on Hallowe’en. They’ll thank you and love you for it. Drink 2021-2024. Tasted October 2021.” - 92 points, Michael Godel, WineAlign.com
Read more about Alpha Box & Dice.
Vintage: 2020
Bottle Size: 750 mL
Bottles per Case: 12
Price per Bottle: $26
Style: Still
Region: McLaren Vale
Country: Australia
Grape: Grenache
Colour: Red
Vegan: Yes
Organic: No
Biodynamic: No
Natural: No
Low Intervention: Yes