2021 Kay Brothers Griffon's Key Grenache, McLaren Vale

The 2021 Griffon's Key Grenache is silky and fulsome, with lashings of red fruit, dried herbs, fresh blood and pressed flowers. In the mouth, the wine is powerful and old school, without the old-school clustering of blocky tannin and oak. It has raspberry humbug, aniseed, dark chocolate, paprika tannins and a mineral, saline finish. I like it. It's firmly on the red, savory spectrum but protective of its juicy core of fruit and wrapped in those lovely dusty tannins. 14% alcohol, sealed under screw cap.

94 points Erin Larkin robertparker.com

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. 100% Grenache

The Kay Brothers Griffon’s Key Grenache from McLaren Vale is a captivating single-vineyard wine that highlights the estate’s long-standing tradition of crafting exceptional Grenache. Established in 1890, Kay Brothers is one of Australia’s oldest family-owned wineries, celebrated for its dedication to producing wines that showcase the unique terroir of McLaren Vale.

The Griffon’s Key Grenache is sourced from the Amery Vineyard, situated on the undulating hills of McLaren Vale. The vineyard’s deep sandy soils and Mediterranean climate create ideal conditions for cultivating Grenache, resulting in low yields of intensely flavored grapes. Hand-picked and meticulously sorted, the fruit undergoes small-batch fermentation, followed by aging in seasoned French oak barrels to enhance complexity while maintaining the varietal’s vibrant character.

This wine offers a fragrant bouquet of red berry compote, wild strawberry, and cherry, layered with hints of rose petal, cinnamon, and dried herbs. The palate is medium-bodied and finely textured, with flavors of juicy red fruits, a touch of spice, and a subtle earthiness. Fine-grained tannins and a fresh acidity provide balance, leading to a long, elegant finish.

The Kay Brothers Griffon’s Key Grenache pairs wonderfully with dishes such as roasted duck, lamb skewers, or Mediterranean-inspired cuisine. With its refined structure and vibrant flavors, it is enjoyable upon release but also has the potential to age gracefully for 8-10 years.