Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
Aromas of red fruit and flowers abound with earth, bracken and spice. The palate has assertive, punchy red fruit and a wrap of juicy, vibrant tannin. Medium body.
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Wine Enthusiast
The Custodian has always been big boned for a Grenache, but perhaps due in part to the relatively cool 2017 vintage, this bottling offers freshness and poise. It opens with aromas of cherry and mocha, underscored by spice and floral tones. There's a lovely crunch to the red berry fruit in the mouth. The tannins creep up slowly and then are raspy and a bit austere. The fruit wears them well, though, making this an appealing barbecue wine.
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.