New to Grenache? Grenache has been around since the beginning of Australia’s winegrowing history but it has only recently begun to break out and go solo playing an integral role in many red blends and single-varietal styles with the McLaren Vale and the Barossa Valley leading the charge. These are full of richness and intensity and this StarDozen is a great place to start your Grenache journey with 3 bottles each from 4 renowned producers. All four wines have received 95 Points or better from Australia's leading wine critics which serves to highlight the tremendous quality.

The StarDozen consists of the following:

3 bottles      Wirra Wirra Original Blend McLaren Vale Grenache Shiraz 2018
3 bottles      Curtis Limited Series McLaren Vale Grenache 2016
3 bottles      Robert Oatley Signature Series G-19 Grenache 2019
3 bottles      SC Pannell Basso Garnacha 2017

Wirra Wirra Original Blend McLaren Vale Grenache Shiraz 2018
Named in honour of the first such blend established decades ago, cabernet included in the blend from time to time. This wine emphatically says no cabernet needed. It has a fragrant violet and rose petal bouquet, then a juicy, flowery palate with red fruits providing all that is needed. A spectacular success for '18, beseeching you to drink copious amounts over the next few years. Drink to: 2025; Price: $25.00; Date Tasted: Dec 2019; Alcohol: 14.5%; Rating: 95 Points & Special Value Star; James Halliday Wine Companion

Curtis Limited Series McLaren Vale Grenache 2016
Classic perfumed aromas of raspberry, dark plum, mocha and roasted hazelnut lead to a concentrated palate that is lush and beautifully flowing. The palate delivers wonderful weight and roundness, superbly complemented by silky texture and supple tannins. Gorgeously expressed and hugely appealing. At its best: now to 2026. Date Tasted: Oct 2018; Price: $100.00 Rating: 96 Points; Sam Kim; Wine Orbit

Robert Oatley Signature Series G-19 Grenache 2019
Grapes from the southern end of McLaren Vale. This is an unwooded red wine, similar in weight and body to a young Pinot Noir, Tempranillo or Sangiovese. It should be enjoyed at least lightly chilled, which will allow its lifted aromatics and bright, breezy personality to shine.

Trophy - Best South Australian Red of Show - Royal Adelaide Wine Show 2020
Trophy - Best Grenache of Show - Royal Adelaide Wine Show 2020
Gold Medal & 96 Points - Royal Adelaide Wine Show 2020

SC Pannell Basso Garnacha 2017
Stodart Trophy - Best Young Red Wine of Show - Royal Queensland Wine Show 2018
Trophy - Best Red - Royal Queensland Wine Show 2018
Trophy - Best Grenache - Royal Queensland Wine Show 2018
95 Points & Gold Medal - Royal Queensland Wine Show 2018

This is Pannell's take on a modern Grenache, which is sourced from McLaren Vale. It's designed as an early release and has no filtration at bottling. It's a beautifully seductive expression of Grenache, with perfumes on the nose and succulent medium-bodied fruit right on the palate. So, so good for current drinking. Rating: 93 Points; Ray Jordan; The West Australian