Going back to the late 1980’s, Grenache was starting to witness a revival in Australia, inspired by the likes of Charles Melton with his Nine Popes. Many examples of Australian Grenache at this time suffered from being overly sweet and confected, clumsy oak handling making matters worse.
Australian Grenache has come a long way in 25-30 years, to the extent that contemporary examples are savoury, spicy and expressive of their place of origin. When we think of Grenache in Australia, the Barossa Valley and McLaren Valley are the first regions that come to mind. Leading Clare Valley producer, Kilikanoon, has long championed Grenache.
Its Prodigal Grenache, from the excellent 2012 vintage, is a stylish example of modern Australian Grenache. It may not have the depth or complexity of the very best examples of Grenache, but there is plenty to enjoy in a sweet, savoury and spicy sort of a way.
2012 KILIKANOON PRODIGAL GRENACHE
Producer: Kilikanoon
Variety: Grenache
Vintage: 2012
Region: Clare Valley, South Australia
ABV: 14.5%
Closure: Screw cap
Retail Price: $30.00
Date tasted: 15 November 2015
Tasting Note:
Bright plum red in appearance. Clean nose of spiced plum and confit cherry, strawberry. Dry, full bodied, plenty of up-front fruit, but not over the top. Moves to savoury on the mid-palate, with spice and tar lending complexity on the finish. Australian Grenache has come a long way and this is a solid example.
Score: 16/20
Australian Grenache has come a long way in 25-30 years, to the extent that contemporary examples are savoury, spicy and expressive of their place of origin. When we think of Grenache in Australia, the Barossa Valley and McLaren Valley are the first regions that come to mind. Leading Clare Valley producer, Kilikanoon, has long championed Grenache.
Its Prodigal Grenache, from the excellent 2012 vintage, is a stylish example of modern Australian Grenache. It may not have the depth or complexity of the very best examples of Grenache, but there is plenty to enjoy in a sweet, savoury and spicy sort of a way.
2012 KILIKANOON PRODIGAL GRENACHEProducer: Kilikanoon
Variety: Grenache
Vintage: 2012
Region: Clare Valley, South Australia
ABV: 14.5%
Closure: Screw cap
Retail Price: $30.00
Date tasted: 15 November 2015
Tasting Note:
Bright plum red in appearance. Clean nose of spiced plum and confit cherry, strawberry. Dry, full bodied, plenty of up-front fruit, but not over the top. Moves to savoury on the mid-palate, with spice and tar lending complexity on the finish. Australian Grenache has come a long way and this is a solid example.
Score: 16/20
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