- McLaren Vale, SA - $35-$45
- Cork
- 14.5%alc
Given the difficulties faced by McLaren Vale growers across the last few seasons, it's quite amazing how I've yet to encounter a disappointing wine from the Samuel's Gorge stable. Part of the brand's success must surely rest with Justin McNamee's decision to focus his red production solely around the varieties of grenache, tempranillo and shiraz.
Quite ripe and meaty without being confectionery, this floral, spicy and clove-scented 2008 Grenache reveals a currant-like fruit nose with notes of rhubarb backed by creamy oak. Beautifully crafted and long, it's a rather savoury, dark-fruited and medium-full bodied grenache framed by marginally sweet/sour edges, however, it finishes with pleasing balance and a myriad of varietal spices in the clove/cinnamon/nutmeg spectrum, as well as a gracing of brisk, ultra-fine tannins underscored by a lingering meatiness.
ü A pleasingly composed, well-weighted McLaren Vale grenache of the ripe, meaty and spicy style. Drink to 2014.
91 points
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