Winemaker Notes
A beautifully balanced red, this is an unusually elegant take on Grenache with an almost Pinot-like delicacy, the wine is violet scented with bright red fruit on the palate, subtle savory oak and a warm silky finish.
Professional Ratings
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Australian Wine Companion
From old bushvines at Blewitt Springs, wild-fermented, one parcel with 35% whole bunches, 50% of which is fermented in a concrete egg, the other parcel destemmed, matured in the concrete egg and French puncheons (10% new). Ah, take one look at the crystal clear crimson hue, and know the wine comes from old vines in McLaren Vale. - you're on a certainty. What is truly remarkable is the way the wine has soaked up the new French oak without raising a sweat. This is lovely.
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.