2021 Cooter & Cooter Grenache, McLaren Vale

A brooding, nicely weighted grenache, without being heavy or overly sweet of fruit. Root spice, campfire, damson plum, saucisson and morello cherry. More Rhône (France) than Gredos (Spain). A sluice of whole-bunch mezcal and clove skitters along an edgy tannic rail, toning and evincing but a tad of authority to a real pleasure dome.

93 points Special Value Ned Goodwin MW winecompanion.com.au

The Cooter & Cooter Grenache from McLaren Vale is a vibrant and expressive red that highlights the region’s growing reputation for world-class Grenache. Winemakers Damien and Anna Cooter focus on small-batch, hands-on winemaking, sourcing fruit from old-vine blocks in the Vale where sandy soils and cooling breezes create Grenache with brightness, perfume and supple texture. Their philosophy is to let the fruit and vineyard shine with minimal intervention, crafting wines that are pure, elegant and immediately engaging.

In the glass it shows a bright ruby colour. The nose is fragrant and lifted, with aromas of red cherry, raspberry and wild strawberry, accented by rose petals, white pepper and a touch of earth. The palate is medium-bodied and juicy, with fresh red fruits carried by fine tannins and lively acidity. Subtle spice and savoury notes add depth, while the finish is long, silky and refreshing, showcasing Grenache’s natural charm.

Food pairings lean into its aromatic and versatile style: lamb cutlets with rosemary, duck with cherry glaze, chargrilled quail, or vegetarian dishes such as mushroom risotto and roasted Mediterranean vegetables. Semi-hard cheeses like Manchego or pecorino also complement the wine beautifully. Best enjoyed young for its vibrancy, it can also cellar for 5 to 8 years, developing more earthy and savoury layers with time.