Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
-
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Medium garnet-purple colored, the 2010 Hickinbotham Vineyard Grenache reveals vibrant red berry and black raspberry aromas with overtones of menthol, meat and earth. Full-bodied, it fills the mouth with spiced red berry flavors supported by a good backbone of fine-grained tannins and crisp acid before finishing long. Delicious now, it should cellar to 2021+. Rating: 93+
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.