Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Medium garnet-brick in color, the 2001 Romas Vineyard Grenache flaunts attractive aromas of ripe cherries, kirsch, licorice, black pepper and charcoal. A bit of a beast, this full-bodied, rich and dense wine is contoured by a medium level of very fine tannins and a lively, balanced acid line before it finishes long and layered. Drink it now to 2020.
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Wine Spectator
A stunning wine, enormously rich and layered in flavor, offering black cherry, blackberry, plum and wild raspberry character on a surprisingly refined frame, letting it all cascade beautifully through a supple, elegant finish. It has plenty of refined tannins, but you don't notice them till everything else has commanded attention.
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.