Topic
#mclaren-vale
17 posts tagged with this topic. RSS feed.
- news
Varney Wines Mencia 2025
A thrilling Mencia, this 2025 release from Varney Wines is nothing short of excellent. Said to be for members only, bugger that and bang the door down. Tell Alan I sent you. Sourced from Australia's first Mencia planting at Oliver's Taranga, these 2011 planted vines continue to get better and better. It spent 14 days on skins before being pressed to second use French oak for ten months Give it a chance to breathe and it repays the faith. Gorgeously medium-bodied, bright blueberries and juicy mulberries muse with silky dark cherries. Meat rub spices pack things up in a neat parcel but there is no escaping the supple and elegant fruit that takes control of the midpalate. Varietally true, a red apple crunch seizes its moment, delivering a superb line of acidity. Incredibly moreish, I could get dangerous with this. And perhaps I did. What a super drink. 95/100 Region: McLaren Vale RRP: $35 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Follow:&nb
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)1 view30-402595ptsmclaren-valemencia - news
Grant Nash Lunch GSM 2023
Affectionately called the Lunch Wine, this GSM from Grant Nash Wines is a delicious yin and yang balance of fruit and savoury delight. Dark fruit and raspberry rope notes get things moving up front, with layers of cured meats, pan juices, stripped bark and meat rub spices adding complexity and depth. The palate walks with impressive poise and a moreish length that urges another sip. Equally comfortable alongside a charcuterie board or plate of barbecued meats, this is a GSM that delivers flavour, texture and drinkability in equal doses. Big love. Go here. 93/100 Region: McLaren Vale RRP: $40 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Follow: Instagram , LinkedIn and X
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)1 view40-502390-94ptsblendsgrenachegsm - news
Jericho Bracken Vineyard Shiraz 2024
A fair chunk of oak plays its hand with this Jericho Bracken Vineyard Shiraz. I wasn't overly surprised to learn after tasting and compiling this review that this sees 60% new French oak for 14 months. That high percentage is telling, particularly with a rampant coconut oak note. Some menthol gets in on the aroma profile too and refuses to budge. Hmm. Dark plums, blackberries, cherry liqueur, cola, stripped bark and black tea add plenty of character, but it's hard to shake the oak. Perhaps time will help. 91/100 Region: McLaren Vale RRP: $42 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Follow: Instagram , LinkedIn and X
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)0 views40-502490-94ptsmclaren-valeshiraz - news
Grant Nash Grenache 2024
With a persona edging on robust with some generosity, this Grant Nash Grenache opens with a warm, spice-laden frame that sets the tone. Inviting aromas of baked raspberries, red currants and ripe red cherries lead the charge, all wrapped up in a neat parcel that echoes Cherry Ripe slice. Of note, it strikes a mean balance between fruit intensity and a savoury intrigue. Exotic spices weave about the palate with ease offering a neat, rustic, earthy edge. Perhaps this is the splash of Mourvedre talking? Some meatiness tucks in beneath, too. In all, it calls for food and I reckon it would smash burger night with ease. 92/100 Region: McLaren Vale RRP: $40 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Follow: Instagram , LinkedIn and X
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)2 views40-502490-94ptsgrenachemclaren-vale - news
Grant Nash Grenache Gris 2025
Add this to your springtime lunch list. Fresh, vibrant and crisp, there is much to adore about this Grant Nash Grenache Gris. Perfect for Friday knock-offs as well, it sees some time in seasoned oak which adds a fine veil of texture. White flowers, pink lady apples, white-fleshed nectarine, white cherries and a deft touch of minerality build a strong case for refreshment. The texture can be best described as chalky as it taps away, but it is not drying. A drop of lemon juice ties in late with a faint, stealth-like cinnamon spice reaching out with persistence. Beautiful drinking. Go here. 93/100 Region: McLaren Vale RRP: $30 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Follow: Instagram , LinkedIn and X
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)3 views30-402590-94ptsgrenache-grismclaren-vale - news
Grant Nash Old Mate 128 Grenache 2025
There is an elegant simplicity about this Old Mate 128 Grenache from Grant Nash Wines that has me leaning in a little closer. Closed and not overly expressive aromatically on opening, raspberries and raspberry rope do their best to emerge. Spiced red berries and red currants plant themselves on the mid-palate with poached rhubarb, raspberries and strawberries circling the wagons. Sheets of dusty tannins coat the palate late as fine spices tighten the noose and cling on for dear life. A pre-release sample, I reckon this will show better with some more bottle age. 92/100 Region: McLaren Vale RRP: $65 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Follow: Instagram , LinkedIn and X
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)1 view50-1502590-94ptsgrenachemclaren-vale - news
Vin Sol Ignis Tempranillo 2024
We've got a smart McLaren Vale Tempranillo here courtesy of Vin Sol. Admittedly, it looked better after it had some time to breathe, so give it that chance to shine. An array of dark berry fruits greets you, but I'm all here for the cola, cured meats and blackberry jubes. Dried herbs add detail with a sheet of fine exotic spices, but you'll see it move into fifth gear beside tomato-based pizza and pasta dishes. A big thumbs up from me. 91/100 Region: McLaren Vale RRP: $27 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Follow: Instagram , LinkedIn and X
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)1 view20-302490-94ptsmclaren-valetempranillo - news
Chapel Hill The MV Bush Vine Grenache 2025
The shattering news that the Chapel Hill winery and its assets will be sold off came through a couple of days after winemaker Michael Fragos got in touch and told me a few wines were on their way. I'm devasted for Michael and his team and the uncertainty ahead, not to mention that this historic McLaren Vale brand will only be left as a name. It's worth noting that Michael Fragos sent these wines to me, not the parent body. I'm grateful that he respects my opinion enough for me to get a chance to check them out. Bright and immediately approachable, red currants and blueberries sit at the core, lifted by fresh red apples that add a neat crunch. An energetic type, shards of dark chocolate work their way into the frame. Despite its medium-bodied frame, the tannins are tense. A fine thread of spice runs through adding further appeal, much like its maker, it's honest, easy to approach with a charismatic charm. Throw this at some pizza or a burger and you're winning. 91/100 Regio
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)2 views30-402590-94ptsgrenachemclaren-vale - news
Chapel Hill The MV Shiraz 2024
Just days before Endeavour dropped the bombshell that Chapel Hill's assets will be sold, winemaker Michael Fragos sent me an email to inform me that he had sent some wines for review. As a most respected McLaren Vale winemaker, I feel for him and his staff and the uncertainty they are left with. It's worth noting that Fragos sent these wines to me, not the parent body. I'm grateful that he respects my opinion enough to give me a look. Dense and deeply concentrated, this Shiraz unapologetically strides out with confidence. Ripe plums and cherries are framed by savoury undertones with evocative licks of cured meats and pan juices. With a whisper of char, this calls for a steak on the coals. Drying, waves of spice roll through adding further interest and complexity before a persistent length drives it home and stamps its authority. 90/100 Region: McLaren Vale RRP: $33 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Follow: Instagram ,
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)2 views30-402490-94ptsmclaren-valeshiraz - news
Chapel Hill The MV Cabernet Sauvignon 2024
Only a few days before Endeavour went public and announced they were selling off the assets from Chapel Hill but only retaining the brand, I received an email from Michael Fragos asking if I could take a look at his wines. A great human, I feel for the staff who have been caught up in the crossfire. Perhaps this could be one of the last Chapel Hill wines that I see? To the wine... McLaren Vale Cabernet. It presents quite leafy, stemmy and firm on opening. Blackberries and blackcurrants aren't far from the action but then the savoury tempo builds and arrests your attention. Dried herbs, mint and green capsicum are the main players. Tensing up on close, this would be best with some protein by its side. I'm thinking of roast lamb or beef. 88/100 Region: McLaren Vale RRP: $33 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Follow: Instagram , LinkedIn and X
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)2 views30-402485-89ptscabernet-sauvignonmclaren-vale - news
Vin Sol Flōrus Fiano 2025
A great little Fiano! Can I keep the review at that? Armed and ready for long lunches, the presence and interest delivered elevate this Vin Sol Flōrus Fiano. Expected cut pears and poached pears are joined by a sizzling splash of lemon juice. The perfume from little white flowers adds aromatic delight. Almond meal and ginger add savoury nuances, but I'm leaning into the tonic-like texture that plants itself on the mid-palate that seemingly refuses to move. The hum of ginger and cinnamon spices on close builds a terrific moreishness. It's a really smart Fiano that I'd happily recommend. 92/100 Region: McLaren Vale RRP: $27 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Follow: Instagram , LinkedIn and X
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)2 views20-302590-94ptsfianomclaren-vale - news
Geoff Merrill G&W Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
Released with eight years of ageing already done for you, this Geoff Merrill Cabernet quietly improved over the few days it was open. A blend of Coonawarra and McLaren Vale fruit, like its Jacko's Shiraz sibling, it's rich, ripe and bold. Loaded with black fruits, plum pudding and dark chocolate, it's puckering and saps all moisture from the mouth. Cigar box, dried mint and eucalypt nuances add interest with powdery tannins draped across a lengthy and sustained finish. Top value for $30, if you like 'em big with a dash of charisma, shuffle over this way. 92/100 Region: Coonawarra & McLaren Vale RRP: $30 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Follow: Instagram , LinkedIn and X
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)2 views30-401890-94ptscabernet-sauvignoncoonawarramclaren-vale - news
Geoff Merrill Jacko's Shiraz 2018
Eight years young, this is only the early days for this long lifer from Geoff Merrill. A bold and full-throttle delivery is clear from the first swirl. With scents of chocolatey oak, rich vanilla and mocha, it's ripe and dense. Blackberries and blackberry jubes sit at the core with a slightly sweet fruited edge plus lashings of licorice for interest. Unapologetically dense, there is some real heft and muscle here without being top-heavy. A trail of lingering spices and boisterous tannins has the last word. If you like them painted on thick, I reckon you have a new friend here. 92/100 Region: McLaren Vale RRP: $30 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Follow: Instagram , LinkedIn and X
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)2 views30-401890-94ptsmclaren-valeshiraz - news
South Australia leads in sustainability
The South Australian wine industry is rightfully proud of the robust sustainability certification program for grape growers and winemakers run through the national body Sustainable Winegrowing Australia (SWA). The post South Australia leads in sustainability appeared first on Great Wine Capitals .
by pirsa2 viewswine-storiesadelaidebarossacoonawarramclaren-valesouth-australia - news
Jericho Bracken Vineyard Grenache 2024
I reckon this Bracken Vineyard Grenache would shine beside food. Irrespective, it's once again a very good expression of the variety from the McLaren Vale sub-region of Blewitt Springs. Made with 25% whole bunches and seeing 12 months seasoned French oak, it opens with dark cherries, strawberries and baked blueberries. Shards of dark chocolate and ripples of raspberry jam give off those classic old-school Wagon Wheel vibes. Puffs of earthiness and undergrowth are parcelled up by an array of woodsy and barbecue meat rub spices that linger. Soft, silty tannins have the last word. Great stuff. 93/100 Region: McLaren Vale RRP: $42 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Follow: Instagram , LinkedIn and X
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)2 views40-502490-94ptsgrenachemclaren-vale - news
d’Arenberg The Innocent Weed Grenache Shiraz Mourvèdre
d'Arenberg The Innocent Weed is an organic GSM from McLaren Vale in South Australia. Wine review by Lisa Johnston (thewinemuse) The post d’Arenberg The Innocent Weed Grenache Shiraz Mourvèdre appeared first on winemusing .
by Lisa Johnston3 viewsaustralian-winebold-redsmclaren-valeorganicred-winerevuse - news
Ox Hardy Fiano 2025
A burst of energy makes a statement on opening. It's a wine that presents a charming case both in the glass and on the label - I do love how that pink Ox Hardy font pops off the sky blue label. From the Upper Tintara vineyard, 10% saw time in seasoned French oak. White-fleshed stonefruit is flanked by Mutsu apple, lemon juice, speaspray and herby things. Not to be outdone, some cucumber and almond nuances slide in. The considered textural presence elevates the detail, but there is no mistaking the energy from the fruit that has lift and life. Lively acidity and a green apple crunch make a move on close, seeing out a smart expression. Tasted alongside another McLaren Vale Fiano, I know I'd rather hunt this down in quick time. Tick! 92/100 Region: McLaren Vale RRP: $28 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to Qwine here Follow: Instagram , LinkedIn and X
by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)4 views20-302590-94ptsfianomclaren-vale