Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
D'Arenberg’s next tier of reds begins with the 2007 The Custodian Grenache. It is dark ruby-colored with a perfumed nose of spice box and cherry. Sweetly fruited and juicy, it closely resembles a high level Cotes du Rhone. On the palate, it is a bit leaner and racier in style than the past few vintages. With excellent grip and balance, it can be enjoyed over the next 2-3 years.
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Wine Spectator
Light and crisp, with a gentle buzz of tannins around red berry and guava flavors, lingering on the focused, vibrant finish. Drink now through 2013. 1,000 cases imported.
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.