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

From old vine plantings in McLaren Vale, Kay Brothers Griffon’s Grenache is a long standing expression of one of the region’s most important varieties. The Kay family, custodians of Amery Vineyards since 1890, have built a reputation for traditional, no nonsense wines that speak clearly of place. Grenache here thrives on warm days and cooling sea breezes, with careful handling preserving both its natural perfume and savoury depth.

A bright ruby crimson with garnet edges shimmers in the glass. Aromas rise with ripe raspberry, red cherry and plum layered with dried herbs, spice and a gentle earthy warmth. There is a rustic charm to the bouquet, generous yet grounded.

The palate is medium bodied and supple, delivering juicy red berry fruit framed by fine, sandy tannins and balanced acidity. Notes of cranberry, liquorice and subtle savoury spice build through the mid palate, leading to a long, warming finish that feels both approachable and quietly structured. While delicious in its youth for its fruit and ease, this Grenache will continue to evolve over six to ten years, gaining earthy complexity and softer, more integrated texture.

Charred lamb ribs with sumac, slow cooked tomato and olive dishes, or smoky grilled vegetables piled onto flatbreads with yoghurt and herbs. A spin of Paul Kelly Highway to Hell sessions or something groove heavy from Leon Bridges, the wine settling into a night that feels generous, relaxed and unmistakably Australian.