With an extraordinary elegance and cool climate Grenache character (the vines are 93 years old), the 2003 Old Vine Collection Grenache is not terribly dissimilar from an old Rayas Chateauneuf du Pape. Peppery kirsch and raspberry liqueur-like notes jump from the glass of this medium ruby-colored, pure Australian Grenache. With striking minerality, precision, elegance, complexity, and wonderful density, this stunning effort should drink well for 7-8 years. Importer: Dan Philips, The Grateful Palate, Oxnard, CA; tel. (888) 472-5283

Lithe, spicy and immensely appealing for its bright red cherry and red plum aromas and flavors, not a big wine, but nicely supple and spicy to be flexible with food. Drink now through 2011. 130 cases made, 30 cases imported.??–HS??Region: Australia / McLaren Vale Select to Add