Winemaker Notes
Immediately the aroma is filled with perfume, amazing scents of blossoms. Most apparent are roses and lavender. This is quite unique and very appealing. The floral lifted aromas tend to overshadow the fruit and secondary characters, however they are certainly there.
On the palate the floral notes are somewhat subdued by a pronounced leather and prune like mixture which is indicative of grapes picked at almost the maximum possible ripeness. The effect is quite a savory flavor which is unusual. Typically very ripe fruit tends to produce wine that tastes sweet to the point of jammy characters dominating, however this wine has plenty of other flavors to make it complex at an extraordinary youthful age.
Over the palate the wine is noticeably thick and viscous. The relatively high alcohol, 15 degrees, is quite evident with a satisfying warming sensation.
The wine has been made to age for a long time. This is evident with the finish which is super powerful and dominated by chalky, gripping tannins. Put it away for 8-10 years to allow these tannins to soften and integrate.
Try the wine with heavy rich braised dishes with abundant sweet pan juices. The sweetness will help counterbalance the astringency of the wine, whilst the flavor of shanks or a similar cut of meat will be matched in intensity by this concentrated, big wine.
Professional Ratings
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.