Lovely balance, ripeness and supple harmonies – Crosby Stills Nash & Young jamming with Joni Mitchell – an engaging, enticing concoction, effortlessly bringing together nimble, lively red fruits with hefty, rich, earthy elements. About half matured for nine months in larger-format French oak, none new, with the balance in stainless steel or concrete eggs. Points: 94/100
Mainly whole berry, 10% whole bunch in open fermenters, indigenous yeasts; half in barrel, half in stainless. Grenache in a bright, modern mode, this is redolent of redcurrant, ripe cherry, pomegranate and raspberry tea, a little white pepper and twiggy spice accenting. There’s an agreeable stricture of natural acidity and fine tannin stitching in the fruit, gifting drive and savoury trim. Points: 92/100
Mmmm, cherries and spice and all things nice envelope you on the first inhale. But there’s a lot more behind the plump fruit; dried flowers and rainforest floor offer some earthy funk with a hint of rocky minerality. It’s rich and ripe, with some spicy aniseed and just a whisper of eucalyptus. Whilst fine, ripe tannins and a chalky, savoury finish makes this a guaranteed crowd-pleaser – if you want to share it with a crowd, that is. Points: 91/100
Mainly whole berry, 10% whole bunch in open fermenters, indigenous yeasts; half in barrel, half in stainless. Grenache in a bright, modern mode, this is redolent of redcurrant, ripe cherry, pomegranate and raspberry tea, a little white pepper and twiggy spice accenting. There’s an agreeable stricture of natural acidity and fine tannin stitching in the fruit, gifting drive and savoury trim. Points: 92/100
It is very easy to gloss over the glories of a wine because it is good value, suited to sharing with pizza, or perhaps because the grape doesn’t always receive the acknowledgements it is due. I think that might be happening here. For me, this is an absolute stunning wine, worthy of the highest praise. McLaren Vale Grenache deserves the highest of pedestals. Dark crimson hue here, the nose is immediately exciting; raspberries, strawberries, florals, spices and a hint of bergamot. Enticing perfumes that never end. This is seamless and supple, with the silkiest of tannins and superb length. Wonderful stuff, with six to eight years. This is a stunning Grenache and a serious bargain. Points: 95/100
