2018 Kay Brothers Griffon's Key Reserve Grenache, McLaren Vale

From the best vines on the Amery Vineyard, open-fermented, matured for 11 months in used French puncheons. Generosity is its second name, liqueur-filled dark chocolate, contrast with savoury nuances and ripe tannins. The ‘Reserve' label is deserved.

94 points James Halliday winecompanion.com.au

It was a very good year for Grenache in McLaren Vale. Kay’s offer “Tread carefully past the mythological king of creatures and discover the drinking pleasure it is guarding”. OK, I've done that now back safely, and it was quite exhausting,

I can tell you. Ripe raspberry, cream and baking spices, some rosy perfume, maybe roast lamb and thyme in the background. Medium-bodied, silky smooth, a wee bit savoury, but pure and cool in red fruits, with fine length and fine emery tannin trailing. Stylish, charming, and keeping a little something up its sleeve for the coming years too, ill warrant. Drink from 2021 to 2028 +

94 points Gary Walsh winefront.com.au

Grenache is having a moment in Australia, so prices for the top examples have zoomed ahead of where they were only 5 years ago. The 2018 Griffon’s Key Grenache saw only, used French oak puncheons during its elevage, so the fruit speaks loud and clear, offering layers of ripe black cherries and hints of rose petals and black tea. Its full-bodied and rich, with a bit more density and tannin than the Basket Pressed Grenache, suggesting additional longevity. Drink now till 2030.

94 points Joe Czerwinski robertparker.com August 2020

Griffons are powerful and majestic creatures that have the body, tail and hind legs of a lion and the head, talons and wings of an eagle. They symbolise divine power and are known for guarding treasure and priceless possessions. Kay Brothers feel that symbolism of the Griffon matched this premium Grenache perfectly.