Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
What a way to go! With lots of folks in the New World playing with Grenache-Shiraz blends, there are so many different looks at what can happen. I just think that Angove has done it better than most anyone else and compares favorably with anyone in France's Rhone Valley. Firm and well built, this one shows red fruits and stones; formidable from start to finish. A magnificent finish puts this one over-the-top. (Best Served 2014-2020)
With bold fruit flavors and accents of sweet spice, Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre form the base of the classic Rhône Red Blend, while Carignan, Cinsault and Counoise often come in to play. Though they originated from France’s southern Rhône Valley, with some creative interpretation, Rhône blends have also become popular in other countries. Somm Secret—Putting their own local spin on the Rhône Red Blend, those from Priorat often include Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. In California, it is not uncommon to see Petite Sirah make an appearance.
Known for opulent red wines with intense power and concentration, McLaren Vale is home to perhaps the most “classic” style of Australian Shiraz. Vinified on its own or in Rhône Blends, these hot-climate wines are deeply colored and high in extract with signature hints of dark chocolate and licorice. Cabernet Sauvignon is also produced in a similar style.
Whites, often made from Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc tend to be opulent and full of tropical, stone and citrus fruit.