Description
McLaren Vale is one of the most exciting and innovative wine regions in Australia, with some of our favourite producers kicking goals in the coastal winemaking oasis.
Here are six of our favourite reds from the region that gives you a fresh, modern look at the current state of play in The Vale.
All Hail!
- 2022 In Praise of Shadows Mankai Touriga Graciano Grenache
- 2023 Bondar Junto GSM
- 2021 Inkwell Infidels Primitivo
- 2022 Dune Cactus Canyon Grenache
- 2021 S.C. Pannell Dead End Tempranillo
- 2022 Adelina McLaren Vale Shiraz
2022 In Praise of Shadows Mankai Touriga Graciano Grenache
Touriga Nacional, Graciano, Monastrell and Grenache come together here in a crisp and minerally red from McLaren Vale. It's a marriage of three different vineyards, multiple different winemaking approaches, and all sorts of vibrant deliciousness.
Some of the fruit is co-fermented, some of it is left on skins for three weeks, some of it seeks carbonic maceration and time in oak, then it all gets blended together to become the perfect red fruited, aromatic and easy drinking red. A lick of spice, too, a hint of stony minerality and a whole lot of joyful drinking at a stupidly good price.
The perfect wine to share in good company, and versatile drinking too. Pop it in the fridge or enjoy it at room temperature - the choice is yours!
93 Points
"Ripe raspberry, blueberry, violet, ozone and ironstone, spice. It's juicy, quite purple in flavour, a bit stony and 'mineral' in feel, dried roses and raspberry jubes, fresh, Earl Gray tea, crushed boysenberry, with grainy tannin, and potpourri perfume to close. Such a good wine. So much character, and beautifully made too. Recommended."
- Gary Walsh (The Wine Front)
2023 Bondar Junto GSM
This dynamic couple have carved out a niche for their eponymous label as one of the most exciting and in demand wineries in McLaren Vale.
Drinkability is writ large across the range. The 'Junto' (Spanish for 'together') is a wine made for easily enjoying with friends and family.
The Grenache is the main character, with Shiraz, Mataro and Cinsault the supporting cast.
This is as delicious as medium-bodied reds get from this part of the world. Incredibly versatile and impossibly moreish, Andre and Selina have done it again.
94 points
"This is 65/16/8/8/3% grenache/shiraz/mataro/cinsault/carignan. It feels even finer and more elegant than prior. A cool year, yes, but it feels like evolution, too. Either way, what a charming thing it is, redolent of blue and red florals, just-picked wild raspberry and bright-red cherries, along with hardy Mediterranean herbs. It’s not just about front, though, with a fine and complex netting of natural tannin and a vivid line of acidity. What elevates it is skipping the easy path of pulpy frivolity for a gastronomic architecture and lightness of feel."
- Marcus Ellis (Halliday Wine Companion)
2021 Inkwell Infidels Primitivo
The Infidels is Primitivo sourced from the immaculate Inkwell vineyard in McLaren Vale.
Over the last few vintages it has gained a reputation for being one of the country's most drinkable/loveable alternate varieties, and is often the fastest-selling Inkwell wine - understandably so.
The oak is set firmly to the background of the mid-weight palate and the perky red fruits and spice of this variety on display for all to see. The fruit weight, tannin, and acidity playing perfectly with each other. Simply delightful drinking and on their best releases to date.
92 points
"It’s a wine of grain and groove and silk. It’s most enjoyable."
- Campbell Mattinson (The Wine Front)
2022 Dune Cactus Canyon Grenache
The latest single-varietal wine from this energetic and evolving project that in a short period of time has helped the Lloyd brothers burst out of the shadow of their family estate Coriole.
2021 was the first time they released the Cactus Canyon Grenache, and this 2022 is a brilliant follow-up. It's a deliberately lighter style, picked early and with minimal oak influence.
It's a spicy, floral little number that really bursts out of the glass with gorgeously exotic Grenache aromas and a fresh and lively palate. Give it a light chill when the sun's out and you're in for a treat!
2021 S.C. Pannell Dead End Tempranillo
Here is another fantastic Tempranillo release from the peerless S.C. Pannell.
Sourced from his home in McLaren Vale, this is a staple of his range and one of the most popular wines at his beautiful cellar door.
Dead End embodies so much of the S.C. Pannell philosophy, it is bright, medium bodied and made for drinking in the warm Aussie climate.
If you have loved the the mulit-award winning Tempranillo Touriga in the past, then this is going to be right up your alley.
2022 Adelina McLaren Vale Shiraz
Col McBryde at Adelina wanted to make a Shiraz that was a little different to their usual one - a bit more dark and broody, but still keeping the classic Adelina style.
So Col sourced some certified organic fruit from the McLaren Vale, coming from a ripper site in Kangarilla managed by two impeccable growers, Yanagrra's Michael Lane and Pete Fraser. We all know what great fruit and a deft touch equals.
It's got a focus more on dark fruit flavour than their Clare Valley reds, with chewy tannin and a bit more of a broodiness to its personality. Still inherently Adelina in style, it's something a little different - and incredibly delicious.
93 points
"Red and black berries, quite nutty, a little spice and dried herb perfume. Medium-bodied, red fruits mainly, again that nutty character, with a little mint, fine dusty tannin grip with a savoury tobacco edge, lively with plenty of energy, and a firm finish of good length. Good wine."
- Gary Walsh (The Wine Front)
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