Winemaker Notes
Macerated red fruits and musk from Grenache, structure and longevity via Shiraz,
Mouvèdre’s gamey notes and minerality
Blend: 44% Grenache, 42% Shiraz, 14% Mourvedre
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
Predominantly made from Grenache and Shiraz, with 14% Mourvèdre, this blend is ripe, juicy and chocolaty on the nose. Notes of tobacco leaf, dried flowers, savory spice and graphite are all here, too. The texture in the mouth is silky, with a lift of acidity and well-structured, elegant tannins. It's a big but well-balanced wine, expressive of site and style.
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James Suckling
Attractive, dark and red berries, in a brambly style that offers plenty of interest. The palate has a very plush, smooth feel with ripe dark-plum flavors and sticky, juicy texture.
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.