Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2003 Grenache Old Vines Romas Vineyard is, like the Blewitt Springs tasted alongside, eminently dark fruited. This is brooding and yet fresh, with salted licorice and cracked fennel seeds to close. The tannins are profuse and resinous, black in their countenance and so good. I like the unapologetic nature of this vintage. It makes a statement. Sealed under natural cork.
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Wine Spectator
Wild and more than a little gamy, an irreverent wine that flaunts its animal, almost feral qualities, finally tying them up with smooth, bright cherry and berry fruit that emerges on the generous finish. Best from 2006 through 2012. 1,000 cases made.
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.