2006 R Wines Chateau Chateau Chateau Grenache Barossa Valley (Australia) – 100% Grenache
The 2006 Chateau Grenache was blended from 6 vineyards, the only regional “terroir” wine in the series. It was sourced from 40- to 50-year-old vines and aged for 14 months in second-use French oak. Light crimson-colored, the nose of earthy, garrigue, sage, and kirsch aromas jumps from the glass. This leads to a velvety, rich, seamless Grenache with impeccable balance and a 45-second finish. It will evolve for 2-3 years and provide pleasure through 2020. Rated 93 The Wine Advocate
2007 Domaine La Roquete Chateauneuf Du Pape (France) – Blend of 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah, and 10% Mourvédre grapes
The finest tradition cuvee yet made, the 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape (70% Grenache, 20% Syrah, and 10% Mourvedre aged in foudre and concrete tanks) possesses a deep ruby/purple-tinged color as well as a bouquet of black currants, black cherries, garrigue, pepper, and lavender. It is a full-bodied, ripe, exceptionally elegant, pure wine to drink now or cellar for 12-15 years. Rated 93 The Wine Advocate
2005 T-Vine Grenache Napa Valley (California) – 100% Grenache
“A candy bowl filled with red delectable, and no one’s looking…Ruby red in color with a nose of raspberries, strawberries and red cherries, medium-long finish. Much is written about wine…of its makers, its nuances, and its myths. The white hot center of each wine’s mystery lies in the humble corners of the world, where growers pour their intention, their character and their love of labor into each wine. Much is written about wine…” Greg Brown, Winemaker, Grape Guardian, Yoga Dude
2002 Kaesler Avignon Barossa Valley (Australia) – Blend of 58% Grenache, 31% Shiraz, & 11% Mourvédre grapes
A serious offering, the 2002 Avignon (58% Grenache, 31% Shiraz, and 11% Mourvedre) was scheduled to be bottled, without filtration, one week after I tasted it. More elegant than the Stonehorse cuvee, it possesses sweet leathery notes intermingled with blackberry, cherry, and currant fruit. Although closed, it is long and persistent in the mouth with outstanding purity as well as promise. Give it 1-2 years of cellaring, and consume it over the following 10-14 years. Rated 89-92 The Wine Advocate
2008 Alto Moncayo Veraton Campo de Borja (Spain) – 100% Garnacha
Veraton is the “entry level” wine from Alto Moncayo. It is 100% Garnacha (Grenache) from 30 to 90 year old vines in the Campo de Borja. Every vintage since 2004 has been rated 90+ by the Wine Advocate and the International Wine Cellar. A rich, full bodied wine with lots of fruit and power. Garywine.com
2008 S.C. Pannell Pronto Tinto Adelaide Hills (Australia) – Blend of 77% Garnacha, 11% Touriga Nacional, 7% Syrah, and 5% Monastrell/Mourvédre
“Healthy crimson-purple; an immaculately assembled blend of Garnacha (77%)/Touriga Nacional (11%)/Syrah (7%)/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