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Description
The 2023 Varney Wines Limited Release Grenache is a tremendous rendition of McLaren Vale’s old-vine Grenache heritage, from emerging star winemaker Alan Varney.
This wine is crafted from 70+-year-old bush vines sourced from three distinct sites: Blewitt Springs, Seaview, and Whites Valley. Each vineyard contributes its unique character, from Blewitt Springs’ aromatic lift to Seaview’s vibrant acidity and Whites Valley’s mid-palate depth. The fruit undergoes cold soaking, partial whole bunch fermentation, and up to 26 days on skins before maturing for eight months in seasoned French oak.
Expect a lively and textured Grenache with layers of cherry, pomegranate, and subtle earthy spice, underscored by fine natural tannins and a vibrant, balanced structure. The cool vintage lends the wine freshness and energy, while its seamless complexity reflects the skilled hand behind its creation.
Equally at home with aromatic Asian dishes, charcuterie, or slow-braised lamb, this is a Grenache for now or for cellaring over the next decade.
95 points
"A thoroughly scrumptious Grenache from McLaren Vale. Techniques like whole bunch, wild ferments, and carbonic maceration create a wine with great energy and fruit vibrancy. Balanced and flavoursome fruit from 70+ year-old vines, with a nice dry savoury dusty character from Blewitt Springs."
- Ray Jordan (Winepilot)
95 points
"From three sites all over 70 years old: Blewitt Springs, Seaview, and Whites Valley. There’s a savoury connectedness of flavour and structure, delivering layers of cherry, cranberry, and rose with vibrancy from the cool year. Fine natural tannins drive flavours long. Very charming indeed."
- Marcus Ellis (Halliday Wine Companion)
94 points
"Carbonic accents of Turkish delight, red pastille, and lilacs. Impressive density in the mid-palate despite the cooler vintage. Firm tannic structure with briar, leather, and peppercorns. It has stuffing, drive, and verve."
- Ned Goodwin MW (James Suckling)
92 points
"Intense aromas of raspberry coulis and rose petals tempt from the outset. Vibrant and crunchy, with heady, plush fruit precision and great vitality. Fine chewy tannins corral the wine to the finish."
- Gabrielle Poy (The Real Review)
95 points
"Blueberries, boysenberries, raspberries, and pomegranate light up the stage. The energy from carbonic maceration adds vibrancy, while earthy spices, char, and cola deliver a moreish factor. Damn, it’s tasty! An excellent drink that seems to evaporate from the glass all too quickly."
- Steve Leszczynski (QWine Reviews)
