And we’ve got the best Grenache in the country; a variety that, so often blended away, can be such a magnificent bastard to drink by itself. In McLaren Vale we are spoilt with top–notch examples.

I’ve said before that too often we tend to bash Grenache around too much in the winery, perhaps in the process dulling what is most alluring about the variety, its perfume. Justin McNamee at Samuel’s Gorge gets it, and his current release Grenache from the 2014 vintage is a perfect example of all that is good about the variety.

It’s a pretty–smelling wee thing, all lifted and fragrant with aromas of red and yellow plum, raspberry, and higher tones of mulberry and cranberry. There is no shortage of exotic spice notes with hints of garam masala, cardamom, cinnamon and a dash of pepper.

Medium–bodied in the mouth with plenty of ripe, fleshy plummy fruit, it flows pleasingly across the palate. With hints of gingerbread and earth, it is a wine that is abundant in spice and perfume; it is extremely drinkable.

The fruit/acid balance is spot on; the ripe tannins cascade gently through the fruit providing gentle form and structure. The fruit depth is nicely poised and the wine trails off with juicy, spiced plum notes.

SAMUEL’S GORGE 2014 McLaren Vale Grenache

gorge.com.au