Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Wine Spectator
Lithe, generous and distinctly spicy. Cardamom and turmeric notes weave through the black cherry and tobacco flavors that linger beautifully against superfine tannins. The finish wraps itself into a silky feel. Drink now through 2016. 500 cases imported.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2004 Grenache Clarendon Hills exhibits a lovely dark ruby color along with a big, sweet kiss of black cherry liqueur intermixed with hints of tobacco leaves and resiny pine forest scents. Aromatic, smooth, velvety textured, and sexy, this is a full-bodied, delicious Grenache to drink over the next 7-8 years.
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Wine Enthusiast
From one of the cooler sites in Clarendon Hills’ arsenal, this Grenache shows floral, slightly lifted aromas and hints of blueberry and strawberry. Yet it still shows the soft, lush texture of all of the CH Grenaches and a long, gently lingering finish.
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.