Winemaker Notes
Blend: 100% Grenache
Professional Ratings
-
James Suckling
Attractively ripe and bright red berries on the nose here with a smooth, gently chalky texture to the palate. Soft red fruit abounds.
-
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
From 100-year-old Grenache vines, Riggs's 2018 The Magnet Grenache is a dark-fruited, earthier version of the variety than typical for Australia. Loaded with plum and black cherry fruit and hints of clove and allspice, it's full-bodied, silky-textured and generous on the palate, finishing with plush tannins and a faintly herbal note. Drink it over the next several years
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.