Winemaker Notes
The unsung hero of McLaren Vale, the history and tradition of our region can be enjoyed with a glass of this wine that is crafted from old bush vine Grenache. These old, low yielding vines result in small berries, thick skins and open bunches which deliver bright fruit flavors and an invigorating rustic savory texture.
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
This is a lovely, layered vintage of Chapel Hill's Grenache. Broodier than many in the region, it has an appealing rawness to the nose, like the crush pad at harvest time. It exudes black cherries, blueberries, crushed violets, roses and an earthy, mineral streak, like sun-baked clay and warm stones. The palate is powerfully structured but taut and focused, the fruit and savory spice wound with sinewy tannins.
Editor's Choice
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James Suckling
This has a very vibrant array of raspberry and cranberry aromas and flavors with a smooth and succulent palate that holds the finish with pure fruit flavor. Succulent, fresh and energetic at the end.
Grenache thrives in any warm, Mediterranean climate where ample sunlight allows its clusters to achieve full phenolic ripeness. While Grenache's birthplace is Spain (there called Garnacha), today it is more recognized as the key player in the red blends of the Southern Rhône, namely Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Côtes du Rhône and its villages. Somm Secret—The Italian island of Sardinia produces bold, rustic, single varietal Grenache (there called Cannonau). California, Washington and Australia have achieved found success with Grenache, both flying solo and in blends.
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.