Category Archives: Grenache

2009 d’Arenberg The Derelict Vineyard

d’Arenberg have certainly championed Grenache at least as much as any other Australian producer I’m aware of. I’ve recently tasted through four more D’Arenberg Grenache/Grenache based wines at a variety of prices…and then there’s the recent release of the flagship … Continue reading

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2009 Bethany Old Vine Grenache

Just because it says “Old Vine” on a bottle doesn’t necessarily make it good. This wine is okay but it’s certainly no advert for ‘heritage’ vines. Of course, according to the Barossa charter, you only need 35 years to make … Continue reading

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2010 Chapel Hill Bush Vine Grenache

An absolutely terrific Grenache from Michael Fragos and Bryn Richards at Chapel Hill. It’s got depth, personality and confidence. As much as I love Shiraz I suspect Grenache will end up being Chapel Hill’s best variety in time. This was … Continue reading

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2010 Yalumba Bush Vine Grenache

Judging from the Yalumba website, we’re onto the next vintage of this. Best get a note on it up now. Terrific value, as is so often the case with Barossa Grenache. Certified “Old Vine” fruit – under the Barossa Old Vine Charter that indicates … Continue reading

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2010 Cirillo The Vincent Grenache

With all the (deserved) critical hoopla surrounding Mourvèdre at the moment, I wonder if Barossa Grenache isn’t destined to remain an undervalued and overlooked commodity. On the positive side, it means that you can pick up wines like this one from Cirillo … Continue reading

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Wirra Wirra’s Woodhenge Cup: Stay Low and Pull don’t Push

Adelaide Here I am, living in Australia, writing about wine, talking about terroir and until earlier this month I’d never set foot in South Australia. Heresy! I’ve always been a bookish type, gathering my thoughts and impressions from ‘secondary texts’ but … Continue reading

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2005 Cirillo 1850 Old Vine Grenache

Barossa 16.0% Screwcap $50 Source: Sample Still have a couple of Cirillo wines to get up on the site, so I’ll do one this arvo. Firstly, let me say that this is my least favourite of the 1850 Old Vine … Continue reading

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2008 Chapel Hill Bush Vine Grenache

McLaren Vale 15.0% Screwcap $30 Source: Sample Tasty take on McLaren Vale Grenache here, at its best on days two and three when the oak integrated. Sourced mostly from 82 year old vines, with a bit of 49 year old … Continue reading

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2007 Cirillo 1850 Old Vine Grenache

Barossa 15.7% Screwcap $50 Source: Sample So, 2007 – tough vintage in the Barossa. Could the maestro of Grenache, Marco Cirillo orchestrate another symphony of Old Vine grapes to rival the Châteauneuf-du-Papes that inspired him to head down this crazy path … Continue reading

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2007 d’Arenberg The Custodian Grenache

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 … Continue reading

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