2024 Larnook Grenache Gris

Grenache Gris isn’t a variety you see much of, especially in Australia, but Alexia Roberts at Larnook has made a pretty compelling case for it in McLaren Vale’s Blewitt Springs. This first release is all about texture, freshness, and balance - something a little different but seriously easy to enjoy.

Made with a light touch in the winery, the wine spent time in old oak (30%) and stainless steel (70%), with three months on lees to bring some extra depth while keeping it bright and crisp. It’s got just the right amount of weight without losing any freshness, making it the kind of wine you can drink now but won’t mind revisiting in a year or two.

Larnook is a new player in the Vale, but with wines like this, it won’t take long for people to catch on.

Trophy & 96 points
Best New & Emerging White Wine
- McLaren Vale Wine Show 2024

95 points
"Grenache Gris seems very suited to the Vale—well, if the Larnook iterations can be taken as a reasonable survey. This drinks somewhat like a happy melding of Chenin Blanc and refined Chardonnay—if such varietal echolocation is necessary—with flavours in a red and golden apple zone, along with nashi, stone fruit kernel, green almond, lemon oil, and white florals. It’s textural (30% old oak, 70% stainless, and three months on lees), fine-boned, and effortless in feel, guided by vital acidity. This is truly excellent."
– Marcus Ellis (Halliday Wine Companion)