Winemaker Notes
Blend: 100% Grenache
Professional Ratings
-
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2022 She's Electric Old Vine Single Vineyard Grenache features 50% whole bunches in the wild ferment, but it doesn't smell or feel more bunchy than the others, showing a sensitive approach to winemaking suited to individually fit the vineyard sites. Cool. On the nose, there is Valencia orange, raspberry coulis, cumin seeds, saffron, licorice and wet asphalt/ozone. This is gritty and savory in the mouth, more earthy than some of the others, but I do love that about it—it gives some savory yin to the sweet yang. The wine lingers in a lavender/ylang yang way, floral and petal-y. Lovely plus.
-
Australian Wine Companion
Dry-grown old bush vines. The norm. This time, in Seaview. Lower elevation. Reddish sandy loams littered with quartz and ironstone. This has greater concentration than the Vagabond grenache, yet without quite the detail or saveur. Damson plum and marasca cherry. Anise, thyme, menthol and lavender. A tad drying. A delicious wine of an expansive mid-palate, intensity of fruit and prodigious length, yet without the translucent pinosit̩ and levity Рdespite the alcohol and oomph Рthat marks the very best examples of grenache from the Vale.
-
Wine Enthusiast
A heady, hard-not-to-fall-for bouquet of violets and rose petals jumps from the glass, tangled up with plump cranberry, blueberry and strawberry fruit, and the suggestion of savory herbs and spices. The palate is less lively, more structured, thanks to firm but ultra fine, textured tannins. A pure line of acidity and silky fruit makes this both a serious Grenache but also a food-friendly and ageworthy one. Drink now—2033 at least.
Cellar Selection
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.