A favourite of many of the cellar workers, this classic blend needs some time to unwind. The nose is fragrant, with intense McLaren Vale Grenache blood orange character, supported with ferrous and iodine notes. There's some initial fruit sweetness on the front palate, quickly morphing into a long line of concentrated red fruit and spice. The finish is tangy, with young, crunchy tannins, resulting in a wine with fantastic structure and incredible length.

With his wines acclaimed by critics worldwide, Diffonty is a household name in the southern Rhône. Fine wine expert and Rhône fan Robert Parker described the Diffonty Cuvée du Vatican Châteauneuf wines as “full-bodied, powerful, rich and oozing unmistakable Provençal character”. Comprising mostly Grenache supported by a little Syrah, the Réserve de l’Abbé is made by Jean-Marc with as much care and attention as he affords his top reds. Using grapes from just outside the Châteauneuf boundary, the wine was fermented in traditional wooden and also stainless steel vats before blending and bottling. It’s sumptuous and velvety, with warming red berry and wild herb complexity. Best decanted early, the wine’s ideal served with a hearty casserole.

Very deep black dark red colour with a dark red hue. Elevated liquorice and blackberry aromas meld with vanillin cedar, earth and pepper. Rich and lush with a velvety feel, opulent liquorice and blackberry fruits overlay a back drop of black raspberry, scorched earth and blackpepper. Excellent concentration. Slightly chewy tannins concluding with a long spicy black fruited aftertaste. Drink over the next 3-4 years. Alc. 14%

McLaren Vale is arguably home to Australia's finest Grenache, a grape whose popularity is very definitely on the rise. This is a succulent beauty from the very popular Black Pig family. It's always fun when any member of The Black Pig family come to call – especially when it's as attractive and vibrant as this one!

NEW vibrant exclusive Grenache – from Grenache Kings at the super impressive Thistledown Wines! In the 2026 Halliday Wine Awards Giles Cooke’s Thistledown picked up THREE Trophies – including Best Wine of the Year – for his 99pt 2024 This Charming Man Grenache. Earlier this year, the estate bagged FOUR Trophies, including Wine of Show (again for a Grenache) PLUS the title of Bushing Monarch at the prestigious McLaren Vale Wine Show. Thistledown was set up by Giles Cooke MW, who now owns the business along with longtime right-hand man Paddy Gilhooly, and his wife Laura Samson. It’s No.16 in Halliday’s Top Australian Wineries, in The Real Review's TOP 10 Australian wineries and “…is in the Grenache vanguard, but much more… brilliant Thistledown is on track to be even more exciting…” Giles works with a network of trusted growers, both to show off the strength and traits of single sites – and also varietal integrity, through wines using fruit from multiple spots. Just like this one. Sometimes winemakers seem capable of magic – turning grapes into amazing wine. The name Wizard & Farmer honours the invaluable role that the humble grape farmer plays in this mystical alchemy – a magical collaboration that’s produced this delicious contemporary Grenache. It's supple, succulent and silky, with fragrant redcurrant and pomegranate fruit laced with warm exotic spices. Fresh, pure bright and very versatile – drink it chilled or in front of a fire.

Dive into this 93pt medley of Rhône varieties from McLaren Vale's great Yangarra Estate! “34% Grenache Noir, 31% Carignan, 20% Cinsault, 8% Counoise 5% Shiraz and 2% Mourvèdre…Peter Fraser… ensured the Shiraz and Mourvèdre were fermented separately and this has produced a wine full of enchantment. A real mosaic of brambly black fruits and wildly exotic red hibiscus and rose bud. Davidson plum, Acai and crushed black coal… This wine feels like its other worldly, delightfully nuanced and a real treat for adventurous drinkers, or those that appreciate wine that ticks all the boxes. Serve with Malaysian Lamb Rendang. 93pts.” (Shantah Wale, WinePilot). “Arguably the best site in Blewitt Springs, and, indeed, exceedingly beautiful, Yangarra Estate is undeniably one of the most consistent and remarkable producers in McLaren Vale.” (Halliday) It was established in 2000, and with vineyards biodynamically certified, it specialises in Southern Rhône varieties. “With deep sadness, the Australian wine industry farewelled one of its greats when winemaker Peter Fraser tragically passed at the end of ’25. The tapestry of McLaren Vale vine will forever be richer for the knowledge, time and skill he imparted." (KATRINA BUTLER, The Halliday Wine Companion).

d'Arenberg's Innocent Weed McLaren Vale GSM is a very tasty – and very moreish 92pt, Great Value drop. As Marcus Ellis writes in The Halliday Wine Companion, it is: "buoyantly fruitful… with notes of boysenberry, blackberry gel, anise pastille, blueberry, graphite, violet, iris, mint and wild raspberry, but it’s more contained, ripeness à point. The strut of tannin is a proprietary character, and they have considerable pull, but they will soften, and the fruit is up to the challenge. Give it a little time, but it's a fine drink" (Halliday). It's named for the rather invasive weed that grows in the same soil as the estate's Grenache – that given its throrns and numerous seeds is actually far from innocent. In 1912, horse-fanatic Joseph Osborn sold his beloved stables and horses and bought the family the d'Arenberg estate in premium McLaren Vale. “d’Arenberg kept its 100+yo heritage while moving into the 21st century with flair. At last count, the d’Arenberg vineyards have 40 varieties planted, as well as more than 50 growers in McLaren Vale. Its considerable portfolio of richly robed red wines, shiraz, cabernet sauvignon and grenache are the cornerstones. The iconic 5-level Cube cellar door offers a range of wine experiences including a restaurant and a wine sensory room” (James Halliday). You'll always spot a d'Arenberg wine with its bold red stripe on the label.