McLaren Vale 14.5% Screwcap $18 Source: Retail
The only disappointment in my International Grenache Day line up. This got 93 points from Jeremy Oliver, who described the tannins as “almost fragile”. That’s just strange judging from my bottle. The bulky, rough and burly tannins were completely out of tune with the fruit. Food helped a bit.
Murky, earthy and almost fungal with raspberries and cherry cordial poking their heads out. Early saddle leather development is off putting matched against some light rose scents. Dried herbs and bitumen on the finish, which is mouth puckering due to that tannin.
The wine is only just medium bodied…a bit thin and weedy really. Maybe it was my specific bottle, maybe it was the vintage, but this pushes rustic qualities a bit too far for mine.
Winery Website- http://www.darenberg.com.au/