Watkins Grenache 2022

Watkin’s Sibling Series showcases varieties that thrive in Langhorne Creek – one of Australia’s most underrated quality wine regions. The grapes are sustainably grown and have a minimal intervention winemaking approach that showcases the fruit. This wine comes from terra rossa soils (commonly associated with Coonawarra). There were two picks done to highlight both the fragrance and spice, and the depth and earthiness the vineyard is capable of. It shows in aromas of plush red cherries and chewy Reg Frog lollies with an undertone of cinnamon-spiced rhubarb crumble. That pretty, vibrant fruit continues on the palate with the addition of ripe blueberries with cameo appearances from star anise, and just a whisper of mint. Fine tannins and enough juicy acidity make it an easy crowd-pleaser with no-end of pairing options.

Nicole Bilson

Wine Critic at Winepilot

Nicole loves wine. So much so that she gave up a successful career in Pharmacy, perfected her spitting technique, and moved from sunny Queensland to the wine-drenched laneways of Melbourne. Stints in hospitality, wineries, retail, sales and marketing filled the next few years while Nicole built her knowledge and searched for the right path. She completed the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET) Diploma in 2016 and became a certified WSET Educator the following year. She now juggles a number of roles including teaching people about wine, curating wines lists for restaurants and bars, judging in Australian wine shows and, of course, writing. In 2016 she won the Negociants Working With Wine writing award and has since contributed to Gourmet Traveller WINE, Halliday Wine Companion Magazine and Nourish Magazine.

Wine tasting