Cape Barren Wines first vintage was in 1999, and the philosophy has and always will be to source the very highest quality of grapes, from regions most suited to each variety, and then craft exceptional world class wines of outstanding value. Summers in McLaren Vale are often accompanied by the arrival of magnificent Cape Barren Geese. These rare and striking birds, once feared near extinction, are the inspiration for the name.

Champion grenache. Beautiful drinking. It offers grunt and finesse in equal measure, throws savouriness into a fluid stream of exquisite fruit flavour, and flies tannin through the finish in perfect formation. Everything about this wine is good. It tastes of raspberries, red cherries, smoked meats, red roses and resin, and ultimately it just simply feels complete. Date Tasted: June 2026; Alcohol: 14.5%; Price: $60.00; Rating: 94 Points; Campbell Mattinson

A light-bodied Grenache from McLaren Vale that absolutely nails the style for current drinking. Captures the perfumed violets and rose petal characters of the variety with lifted sage bush and dried herb characters, The palate is neatly held with fine tannins and fine grained lightly applied oak. A terrific example of the variety’s modern expression. Date: April 2026; Drink by: 2025-2032; Rating: 93 Points; Ray Jordan

Old vine Grenache from regions like McLaren Vale continue to enthral wine lovers. Easy to see why with gems like this. The colour is garnet/pale crimson. On the nose, we have strawberries, dried herbs, warm earth, red fruits, florals, cherries and bay leaves. The wine is fresh, with fine acidity and a sleek texture and tannins. Medium weight and decent length here, this will drink beautifully for at least another half dozen years. Long may the rise of Grenache continue. Date: May 2026; Drink by: 2025-2031; Rating: 92 Points; Ken Gargett