Our aim here is for a refreshing nouveau, "bistro" style Grenache. From our Sand Road vineyard, hand picked, cool whole berry ferment, gentle extraction, light touch of season French oak. Juicy, with red and black fruits, blood orange and herbaceous natural acidity, smooth finish.

Made by Rockstar winemaker Ben Riggs, the McLaren Vale Shiraz is as true an expression as one could hope for. The fifth release of the wine is based around a core of pristine fruit with dark red berries, hints of spice, earth, tar and leather and with seamlessly integrated oak. Ripe tannins are apparent but not overwhelming, meaning this is a wine which can be enjoyed now or in the next 10-15 years.

With origins in Spain and southern France, where he still regularly distinguishes himself, this impressive figure first set foot here in 1840 and today also calls South Australia home. The Governor General may have been around a while but has an eye to the future. He mixes effortlessly, but is bold enough to stand alone. Possessed of great potential strength and power, he more often displays his lighter side, with seductive charm and finesse. For many, his approachable style is very refreshing, and even at his most chilled, you’ll always receive a warm welcome.

After almost three decades of shared experience in the wine industry, Bernice Ong and Julian Forwood decided to have a crack at their own venture sourcing fruit mainly from high quality vineyards in McLaren Vale to produce wines under their Ministry of Clouds label. This stellar example of Grenache is comprised 8 different Grenache ferments with varying amounts of whole bunch ranging from a couple of whole berry ferments to the highest being 28% whole bunch, skin time varying between 3 to 6 weeks. The 8 ferments are off four vineyards - three of which all neighbour each other in Blewitt Springs. One planted in 1930, another in 1939 and the last is believed to be planted in 1940s. These 3 vineyards make up 82% of the blend. The last component is from the oldest part of the Smart vineyard in Clarendon planted in 1920. Maturation took place in large old oak for 6 months. A Grenache of phenomenal intensity and power. Vibrant dark red coloured core with black shaded edges and a light purple red hue. Wafting from the glass with a perfumed like intensity are intoxicating aromas of dark raspberries, ripe cherries and red liquorice that are infused with an intriguing mix of fresh herbs and rose petals. Subtle vanillin earth and spice notes are also evident. Carrying only light to medium body, the palate has a power without weight quality, juicy dark raspberry, red liquorice and red cherry fruits unfolding like a never ending peacocks tail to deliver superb depth. Magnificent purity of fruit and with its concentration on another level. Lingering underneath are some vanillin confectionary, earth and subtle spicy pepper characters. Fresh acidity and a sturdy matrix of tannins provide a fine boned structure. Concludes with an explosively long, succulently fruited finish. Drink over the next 6-8 years. Alc. 14.7%

Variety: Grenache Region: Blewitt Springs Vine Age: 50 years Winemaking and tasting notes Sourced from Blewitt Springs wild bush, dry grown 50+ years old vineyard, 9 months in second hand French oak, 150 dozen made. Lively floral, raspberry with hint of dark fruit and white pepper. Review: 95pts (gold medal) – Wine Showcase

Grenache is enjoying a well-deserved moment, with a new generation of talented Aussie winemakers delivering deliciously fresh, approachable wines. This McLaren Vale Grenache is a superb example, from the exciting small-batch project Marsc Wine Co. Bringing acclaimed winemakers and prestige vineyards together covertly under a ‘masked’ label, they’re able to deliver great quality wines for brilliantly low prices. We can’t reveal who made this Grenache, but we can say that they have picked up some of Australia’s highest winemaking honours – namely, TWO Bushing Kings and a Jimmy Watson.