Winemaker Notes
Notes of kirsch, spice and dried tealeaves create an elegant complement to red cherry flavors, leading to an intense, lengthy finish. The restrained fruit intensity and lingering, silky finish suggests great aging potential.
Professional Ratings
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Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
COMMENTARY: Over the last three decades, there has been a healthy revival of Grenache. Clarendon Hills has been a big part of this, and the 2011 vintage is one of the best examples of this grape worldwide. TASTING NOTES: This wine is active and bright from start to finish. Its aromas and flavors of raspberries and accents of earth should pair it beautifully with a thin-crusted pizza with pancetta and arugula. (Tasted: June 20, 2019, San Francisco, CA)
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.