Wine Code Breaker #408

The evolution of the Grenache style away from a blockbuster, high octane jube driven palate continues to amaze. It may even be a revolution. These wines are highly perfumed, textural, tauter / leaner framed while retaining the raspberry and blackberry fruit that makes it such a delightful wine. They are reminiscent of a warmer climate Pinot Noir that suggests Grenache makers are perhaps frustrated Pinot Noir makers. A twist in this story is the growing of Grenache in cooler climate areas of Australia where Pinot Noir has been making its mark for some time. Perhaps I had it wrong all along and Pinot Noir makers are frustrated Grenache makers.

The 2021 Mac Forbes EB80 G-Train Grenache is part of his Experimental Batch of wines from the Yarra Valley in Victoria. This is a light crimson coloured wine, beautiful and glowing. The nose is highly aromatic with attractive spices, dark berries and the perfume you hope to see in a Grenache. Touches of thinly sliced fennel adds complexity and further attractiveness. The palate builds around the fennel, berries and spices with cherries and kirsch. The tannins are light and sandy, dancing and lingering oh so nicely. What an experiment, or is this a revolution in the making!

Enjoy!