Winemaker Notes
Lifted spice, Satsuma plum compote and an herbal thread of thyme with white pepper entwine the strikingly fragrant bouquet of bouillon. The palate is opulent yet nervy with medium-bodied savory, finely-grained textural components resembling pomegranate and lingonberry.
Blend: 92% Grenache, 8% Syrah
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
Blend of 92% grenache and 8% syrah. Superbly fragrant, pretty, playful and alluring. This has watermelon, strawberry and wild cherry from top to toe. There's a wealth of fine-grained tannins. Smoothly rendered with terrific energy.
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Wine Spectator
Elegant and crisp, set on a transparent frame, with an appealing freshness to the wild strawberry, cranberry and pomegranate flavors. Details of white pepper, matcha green tea and sage linger on the vibrant finish
With bold fruit flavors and accents of sweet spice, Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre form the base of the classic Rhône Red Blend, while Carignan, Cinsault and Counoise often come in to play. Though they originated from France’s southern Rhône Valley, with some creative interpretation, Rhône blends have also become popular in other countries. Somm Secret—Putting their own local spin on the Rhône Red Blend, those from Priorat often include Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. In California, it is not uncommon to see Petite Sirah make an appearance.
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.