Remírez de Ganuza Fincas de Ganuza Reserva
Spanish big guns, Remírez de Ganuza have produced a quite sublime old vine Tempranillo blend from the famed Rioja region that will defy all expectations. A luscious aroma of asian spicies and black fruits greet the nose before unfurling into flavours of dark berry fruit, cigar box, mushroom and blood plum. Brilliantly structured with life in front of it that will stretch with ease to 2025. If you're looking for a taste of Spanish royalty, start here.
Bodegas Roda Roda Cirsion Tempranillo
There are minuscule volumes produced of the Cirsion by Bodegas Roda (the name of the thistle which is Roda's logo) which is made from grapes specially selected for the suppleness of the tannins they deliver. Parcels selected are from low-yielding older Tempranillo vines of 45 years and more, from four vineyards. Choosing the plants with the softest tannins, this makes the wine very attractive and supple early on, but it still has great ageing potential.
John Duval Plexus Shiraz Grenache Mourvedre
John Duval was the Chief Winemaker at Penfolds from 1986 - 2002, entrusted to make some of Australia's most iconic wines. This traditional old vine blend is a superb expression of the Barossa. Savoury, spice and subtle oak sweetness on the nose lead to smooth, seamless palate laden with plum jam and liquorice fruit.
Torbreck The Steading Grenache Shiraz Mataró
Torbreck The Steading is a decadent blend of three traditional Barossa varieties. Grenache and Mataro from old bush vines provide wonderful richness and fruit flavours with only free run Shiraz used to allow the Grenache to shine through.
Domaine Alary La Gerbaude Cotes du Rhone
Recently promoted from AC Village to a fully-fledged Cru (to rank alongside Gigondas, Vacqueyras, Tavel, Lirac and Chateauneuf-du-Pape), exciting changes are happening in the hamlet of Cairanne. Denis Alary - a quiet thoughtful man and one of the nicest people you are ever likely to meet. The first Alarys arrived to cultivate the vines here in 1692; ten generations on, Denis, supported by his family, produces exceptional wines.
Penfolds Bin 138 Grenache Shiraz Mourvèdre
Grenache has long been a stalwart of the South Australian wine scene and Penfolds have been blending Grenache with Shiraz since the 1950's. Recent years has seen a growing trend for the luscious perfumed styles like those emanating out of the northern Rhône and the Bin 138 produces a brilliant example. Going from strength to strength, this particular wine is quickly gathering momentum as one of the stand-out releases in the Bin series.
McLaren Vale III Associates Four Score Grenache
The vines used to produce this wonderful Grenache are 80 years old (hence the name!) and it shows. Ripe cherry, berry fruit and a touch of spice that lingers on the palate. Lovely soft tannins that will reward medium term cellaring.
Torbreck Cuvée Juveniles Grenache Shiraz Mourvèdre
Juveniles is a unoaked blend produced from old vines. Fragrant intense and concentrated it has flavours of blackberry, earth and Asian spices. The length and texture make this great drinking now.
Kay Brothers Amery Vineyards Basket Pressed Grenache
Kay Brothers from McLaren Vale tread that delightful line between tradition and innovation perfectly. A rich and deep history in the region has seen them settle on some of best vineyard land in the region which helps produce juicy, pleasure-filled wines like this Basket Pressed Grenache. Lifted colours of purple and dark crimson in the glass give a preview to the layers of brambly fruit on the nose. Copious amounts of plush redcurrants and raspberry on the palate with a silken mouthfeel due to elegant tannin and bright acidity.
Head Ancestor Vine Grenache
Deep red with Burgundy colours. Aromas of rhubarb, raspberry, pink musk, Turkish delight and candied orange peel. Full bodied and supremely textured with layers of sweet red fruit flavours. Dense, long and chewy tannins that coat the mouth endlessly.