Willunga 100 McLaren Vale Grenache 2010

Bright deep crimson; dark and exotic on the bouquet, with liqueur soaked plums, clove and sage; the palate is warm and inviting, direct and expansive, showing the true class of Grenache in McLaren Vale; moreover, the quality of the vintage shines through. Top Gold Melbourne Wine Show '11. 2061111 Willunga 100 may be relatively new in McLaren Vale, but “from its first vintage in 2005, their aim has been to put excitement and quality back into Australia’s lower price range … it has done that” (Decanter). <p> Three leading wine experts formed this 5-star estate after recognising a gap in the quality of Australia’s inexpensive brands and iconic wines. The stellar winemaking team consists of gifted Tim James and the charming Kate Day, who is particularly passionate about Grenache. </p> <p> <i> Strikingly “bright, clear red” in the glass with a luminescent hue. This supple, light-bodied red shows “precision and focus to its raspberry fruit, backed by fine-grained tannins … 94 points” (Halliday). </p> </i> 2061116 Willunga 100 takes its name from the historic Willunga ‘Hundred’ (an administrative area of South Australia) that was established in 1839. The winemaking team is “decidedly high-powered ... the hugely experienced Tim James and Mike Farmilo the conductors of the band” (Halliday). Willunga 100 takes its name from the historic Willunga ‘Hundred’ (an administrative area of South Australia) that was established in 1839. The tree on the label is an old River Red Gum, already over 100 years of age when the first vines were planted in the 1840s. The winemaking team is <i> “decidedly high-powered ... the hugely experienced Tim James and Mike Farmilo the conductors of the band” </i> (Halliday). He gives this rich and powerful Grenache 91pts: <i>Right in the mainstream of the resurrection of grenache from its days as purveyor of large amounts of fodder for fortified winemaking. It was a ripe year, but the wine hasn't lost its shape. ... 91pts” </i> (Halliday).