Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Wine & Spirits
It's rare to find this kind of elasticity in the fruit of grenache, the earthy tannins snapping back on the concentrated old-vine fruit. This is supple and bold, with complex layers of flavor that touch on red fruit leather, strawberry seeds and dark, smoky notes of earth. The intensity of the wine’s flavor loops back in the end, lasting for minutes in its clear, numinous beauty. Chester Osborn has been collecting ancient, derelict vineyards for more than two decades, restoring their vines to something like productivity. They performed remarkably well through the hot days and cool nights of the 2010 season.
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.