Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
This wine offers plush, brambly cherry and blackberry aromas, alongside clove, dried flower and warm stone accents. The palate has a similar vibe, with rounded, plump fruit framed by sandy, savory and herbal tannins, running along an earthy, mineral spine. Drink now–2029.
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James Suckling
An array of wild raspberries and fresh, rose-like flowers make for an attractive nose. The palate has a very supple and soft, fleshy feel with candied raspberries in abundance. Drink now. Screw cap.
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Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
COMMENTARY: The 2018 Robert Oatley G-18 Grenache is pleasing and soft-spoken. TASTING NOTES: This wine shows a beautiful and refined red fruit profile. Its alluring aromas and flavors of piquant red fruit and dried sage stay friendly and lively on the palate. Pair it with grilled chicken thighs over a bed of wild arugula. (Tasted: September 13, 2019, San Francisco, CA)
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.