Varney Wines Grenache, Shiraz, Mourvedre 2022
G 93
60% Grenache, 25% Shiraz and 15% Mourvèdre, with around 30% whole bunch and into hogsheads and barriques for nine months. Pure black cherry juice with some prune and plums thrown into the mix. A crack of black pepper and fresh sage leaf. Fruit intensifies and brightens on the palate, with an even line of acidity and soft tannins. This keeps up its energy, with Mourvèdre filling in the gaps without dulling the excitement of the overall wine. This is well made and designed for outdoor bbqs and spring nights. Drink now–2030 Woodstock Very Old Fortified Grenache and Shiraz MV G 93 An age-old tradition kept alive now by the three generations of Woodstock; the average age of material sits around 25 years. Russet in hue, the wine pours like a honey tap with prune, raisin and sumac spice. There are ribbons of molasses, orange marmalade and root beer. Well balanced by some fresh material, this is well received as a drink alongside wash rind cheeses, figgy pudding or even glazed duck. Wonderful to see the family tradition upheld. Drink now–2035 Woodstock The Stocks Shiraz 2019 G 93 The flagship wine, this fruit is from a single vineyard and the 31 rows of low-yielding vines. The 2019 has patiently been resting and now, in its release, shows a ribbon of wild raspberries swathed in nutmeg and sweet tobacco. Rosebuds and rosella float in the wind too. It’s svelte on the palate with soft tannins and some spritely acidity. A creamy chai spice adds detail and lengthens the flavour palate. Delightful on its own or with a beefy mushroom risotto. Drink now–2030 Zonte’s Footsteps Chocolate Factory Shiraz 2022 G 93 You’ll have to walk past the flowering lilac and mulberry tree before you get into the chocolate factory, for it’s alive with blossoming crimson and violet berries. Some fiery red chilis and pomegranate too. Then you’ll arrive at a tidy spice box of clove, cinnamon and finish up at the fountain of liquid chocolate. Fruit dominates the wine and the luxurious palate and soft tannins, coupled with spice, is where you gain that enveloped feel of comforting cocoa dreams. In a very good drinking spot, with acidity still keeping it fresh. Drink now–2028 Coriole Sandalwood Single Vineyard Grenache Gris, Piquepoul 2024 G 92 A wine of white stone fruit and gentle yellow citrus. A hint of apple blossom and creamed honey there too. Sugared pineapple and salt crystals, the wine combines some elegant nectarine and lemon, with a hint of marzipan and almost savoury chicken salt-esque moments. There is the tell-tale grip of Grenache Gris and the wine finishes bone dry. A wonderful wine for sliced chicken and summer salads. Drink now–2030
South Australia Wine Guide 2026 | McLaren Vale
275
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