$34.90
While Syrah Carignan Grenache blends are rare in Australia, they're common in the French Languedoc-Roussillon regions. These blends are renowned for being spicy and savoury, having great drinkability and being great food wines.
“An 85/11/4% varietal split and made into an early-drinking style that’s taking the Valley by storm. Giant Steps make an LDR – light dry red – but this has an altogether different take with its flavour profile. Super-bright and juicy fruit, a mix of dark plums and red berries, sarsaparilla with a light dusting of spice. The palate is actually quite refined, with svelte tannins and refreshing acidity. Given the style brief, this is pitch perfect. It’s hard to put it down. So I didn’t” 95 points, Jane Faulkner, Halliday Wine Companion
“Made from a blend of grape varieties more likely to be found in the south of France than in the Yarra Valley, this moreish young red does a lovely job of coupling easy drinkability with plenty of aromatic and flavour interest. Bright and purplish in colour, the nose harmoniously couples cherry-like fruit with sweet and savoury spice and herb aromas, against a warm earthy background. It’s medium-bodied, soft, ripe and spicy in flavour, suggesting a significant whole berry component, and it flows smoothly through the palate, fresh with mouth-watering acidity and balanced by soft, friendly tannins.” 94 points, Ralph Kyte-Powell, The Real Review
“Loads of spices, including pepper and nutmeg on the nose. Medium-bodied, with soft tannins and a lot of what appears to be whole-bunch character, giving among other things a note of Campari. Stacks of fruit here. Very good balance including ample soft tannins. A smart wine, bright, fresh and well-made.“ 93 points, Huon Hooke, The Real Review
“Lush, slurpy red, all dark berries, cola, pepper and sage herbal character. Good perfume, good flavours, good texture which is sandy and swishes with sexy, silty tannins. Long too. The wine feels medium weight, come hither and easy appeal, but dials in some complexity alongside its drinkability. It’s charming from the get go. Very polished and prim in a way too. A very nice expression, all up, and ready to roll.” 92 points, Mike Bennie, WineFront
Good tasting wine, also a little more affordable than the more recognised Pinot noir by Giant Steps