Today In The Tasting Hut

Posted by Andrew Barrow in Notes From The Tasting Hut, 4:57pm 22/08/2007. Leave a comment

A splendid reception for the Penny's Hill, McLaren Vale Grenache.

Wishy Washy and thin? Not a chance - it's ripe and full through and through. From the slightly tarry, pepper-drenched blackfruit aroma through to the rich, smooth palate.

"Very Chateauneuf like - Grenache being one of the 13 grapes allowed in the French classic - but of course with a riper palate. Rich, elegant, wapping great alcohol though at 15% but very well balanced. Many reds from Australia come across as just too alcoholic, too rich and extracted, unbalanced in short. But this is as elegant as you could wish for."

Looks like Mr C has already marked this beaut down for our 'soon to launch' in'a cellar.

As we are always looking for quality and value, in addition to style and pure drinkability, a comparison between our Willunga Shiraz-Viognier and another version of this grape-pairing by Penny Hill was in order.

How do they compare?

The Willunga Shiraz-Viognier is a year older (2005 vintage) but about £1 cheaper. The aroma has a meaty-savoury edge - can't really detect any obvious Viognier influence here but the palate is ripe and full, with a lick of tannins on the finish.

The Red Dot from Penny's Hill is rounded, richer and riper. But with a more obvious higher alcohol. The aroma is more fruity and floral - the 5% Viognier in this blend has made a noticeable difference.

But I think the Willunga is more food friendly; the palate is not as rich but has a decent red-berry sharpness to the acidity which will be more welcoming to food.

Willunga Shiraz-Viognier 2005 £7.99.

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