Winemaker Notes
Pretty nose, floral and sweet fruited, pinot like. Notes of feijoa, orange peel and spice from the Mataro co-mingles nicely with the lively, bright red fruited Grenache. Medium bodied, easily accessible with dusty tannins, the GR/M strikes a nice counterbalance between the openly fruity nature of Grenache and the darker, more brooding nature of Mataro. Transparent, this is our prettiest GR/M yet.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
What a beautiful red with lemons, grated orange zest, rose petals, raspberries and sour cherries. Medium-bodied and energetic on the palate with lively, red and blue fruit and a serious tannin backbone.
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Wine Enthusiast
At first sniff, this blend of Grenache and Mataro/Mourvèdre from the relatively cool climes of Blewitt Springs is an intensely spicy, perfumed number that will divide your dinner party guests. But give this time open in the bottle or glass and it turns the volume down on itself. Mulling spices, cracked pepper and licorice root are still at the fore, but raspberry and rose petal are jostling for attention. In this, one of the lightest of winemaker Brad Hickey's reds, the palate is juicy with a cocktail bitters vibe and a gently tannic bite. Light years away from boring.
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.