2009 Domaine Roche Cotes Du Rhone Rouge (France) – Blend of Grenache, Syrah & Carignan grapes
“Ripe and fresh, delivering a tangy hint of mesquite to frame the blackberry and raspberry fruit. A note of baker’s chocolate lingers on the solid finish. Grenache, Syrah and Carignan. Drink now. 200 cases imported.” Rated 89 Wine Spectator
2002 Ross Estate Grenache Old Vine Barossa Valley (Australia) – 100% Grenache grape
The 2002 Grenache, a noteworthy value, is modestly alcoholic by Barossa Valley standards (only 14.5%). This dense ruby/purple-colored offering exhibits framboise and kirsch notes along with hints of licorice as well as pepper. Chewy and plump, it is a fruit cocktail filled with glycerin. Drink this hedonistic Grenache. Rated 90 The Wine Advocate
2008 Olivier Hillaire Cote Du Rhone Vieilles Vignes (France) – Blend of 60% Grenache & 40% Syrah grapes
“A breakthrough vintage for this estate, which was created in 2006 when the former proprietor, Henri Boiron, sold part of his holdings to his son-in-law, Olivier Hillaire. The brilliant consultant Philippe Cambie works with Hillaire, which no doubt explains the extraordinary quality that was achieved both in 2007 and 2008. This tiny estate of just under 10 acres produces two wines, a regular Chateauneuf du Pape and a 100% Grenache cuvee from 110-year-old vines, the Petits Pieds d’Armand. Domaine Olivier Hillaire also makes a small quantity of Cotes du Rhone, and the 2008 is an elegant, fresh effort displaying strawberry and berry fruit, a straightforward personality, and tart acids.” Robert Parker – The Wine Advocate
2003 Mas Doix Costers de Vinyes Velles (Spain) – Blend of 55% Grenache & 45% Carignan grapes
The 2003 DOIX Costers Vinyes Velles, the product of a very hot vintage, is remarkably fresh with no baked aromas. The old vines with their deep roots had no difficulty accessing water. It displays an earthy minerality, incense, spice notes, and wood smoke. Ripe, succulent, and approachable, this impeccably balanced effort should reach its peak in a few years and drink well for a decade thereafter. Mas Doix has a story quite common in Priorat in which professional people living in the big cities return to reclaim the family heritage (and are having more fun than they ever did before). Mas Doix’s flagship cuvee is named DOIX Costers Vinyes Velles with an annual production of only 4-7,000 bottles. It is typically a blend of old-vine Garnacha and Carinena (80-108 years of age) with the proportions varying slightly from year to year. The wine is aged in 100% new French oak for 14-18 months.Rated 94 The Wine Advocate
2006 Samuel’s Gorge Grenache McLaren Vale (Australia) – 100% Grenache grape
The dark ruby-colored 2006 Grenache was sourced from 80-year-old vines and aged in French barriques, 10% new. It exhibits an alluring perfume of smoke, spice box, lavender, mineral, and cherry. This is followed by a full-bodied, full-flavored, silky Grenache with layers of savory fruit, superb balance, and a fruit-filled finish. Drink this pleasure-driven wine from 2010 to 2018. Rated 91 The Wine Advocate
2008 S.C. Pannell Pronto Tinto Adelaide Hills (Australia) – Blend of 77% Garnacha, 11% Touriga Nacional, 7% Syrah, & 5% Monastrell grapes
“Healthy crimson-purple; an immaculately assembled blend of Garnacha (77%), Touriga Nacional (11%), Syrah (7%), and Monastrell (5%), the dominant grenache only possible from McLaren Vale.” Rated 93 James Halliday
“Velvety and rich, with real presence to the plum and pomegranate flavors, hinting at coffee and licorice as the finish progresses. Grenache, Touriga Nacional, Syrah and Mourvedre. Drink now through 2018.” Rated 92 Wine Spectator
“Deep, bright ruby. Pungent, expressive aromas of raspberry liqueur, cherry, red licorice, Asian spices and dried flowers. Supple, silky and perfumed in the mouth, with alluring complexity to the vibrant flavors of raspberry, strawberry and spicecake. Finishes with smooth tannins and excellent verve, suggesting that it will reward patience.” Rated 91 Stephen Tanzer, International Wine Cellar