Taylors Jaraman McLaren Vale Grenache 2021

Always interesting to have a look at what a winery thinks of their wine, once one has done their own review, of course. And of course, even when one disagrees – and yes, it happens – the polite thing is to ignore it and go with one’s own thoughts. Sometimes, a line must be drawn. The team has described this McLaren Vale Grenache as “a lighter style red wine”. I suppose that technically that is true, but I am not sure that either Regan or Goneril was quite so demeaning to poor Lear with such a back-handed compliment. This is so much more than that and my favourite wine from this Jaraman range. It is a cracking Grenache and one of the value buys of the year, and it certainly deserves better than ‘a lighter style red’. Maturation was for nine months in older French oak hogsheads. From a great vintage for the region, and taking full advantage of that, the colour here is a pale crimson hue with some lightening on the rim. There are aromas of cherries and raspberries here with dry herbs, spices, smoked meats and florals. An utterly gorgeous Grenache nose, which is varietally immaculate. A silky texture leads to sleek tannins and a very long finish, with the balance perfect for the full journey. Six to eight years of pleasure ahead. This is an absolutely cracking Grenache and a bargain to boot. Now, Gods, stand up for Grenache.