GRENACHE AND BLENDS
2020 McHenry Hohnen Vintners Grenache, Margaret River
The fruit has immediate, scintillating clarity and mouth-watering flavour. Meanwhile, the tannins step in through the finish and close up shop – but after an initial glance through that window, you just know they’ve got what you want. You must persist. This has ferrous, blood, raspberries, plums, a hint of rhubarb, black spice and anise... don’t take no for an answer. A firm decant might sort out those tannins. EL 14.5% alc. / RRP $45 / Drink 2021–2031 McHenry Hohnen Vintners mchenryhohnen.com.au
2020 Bethany Wines First Village Grenache, Barossa Valley
Sourced from grenache vineyards in the subregions of Bethany and Light Pass, on the eastern edge of the Barossa Valley. Aromas of dark plum and red cherry fruits mesh with hints of spice, ginger, rose petals and red licorice. Medium bodied, the aromas transpose nicely onto the palate, displaying a spicy and savoury shape, with fine compact tannins and bright acid drive. DB 14.5% alc. / RRP $32 / Drink 2021–2028 Bethany Wines bethany.com.au
2020 Black & Ginger Cinco Rojas, Great Western
A blend of garnacha, graciano, tinta roriz, tinta cão and touriga nacional. Five Iberian red varieties in one field blend, picked and fermented together and looking pretty smart in the finished product. Combines red-hearted intensity of summer berries, pepper, wild herbs and bitter chocolate with a rousing savouriness and taut Iberian-style tannins that makes this a truly memorable wine. Australian wine producers take note, this style is the future in a changing climate. JP 12.9% alc. / RRP $39 / Drink 2021–2026 Black & Ginger blackandginger.com.au
2018 Ministry of Clouds Kintsugi, McLaren Vale
85/10/5% grenache/mataro/shiraz. Matured on fine lees for 18 months in a mix of inert tanks and used oak. A deliciously spicy and lively bouquet, and a medium-bodied palate travelling along the same pathway to a long and juicy finish. To be gulped, not sipped, thanks to its modest alcohol. JH 14.2% alc. / RRP $85 / Drink 2022–2032 Ministry of Clouds ministryofclouds.com.au