2023 Wirra Wirra Farmers Heart Grenache, McLaren Vale

Gold Sakura Japan Women’s Wine Awards 2025 Jan 2025 

Gold James Halliday Grenache Challenge 2024 

Gold 96 points McLaren Vale Wine Show 2024 

A delightful and bright grenache that captures the mood of this cool season in tangy raspberry fruits accented with all of grenache’s hallmark distinctiveness in rhubarb and dried herbs. Fine, saline tannins characterise McLaren Vale. Classy.

96 points Top 250 Australian Wines of 2024 Tyson Stelzer Oct 2024

This came off mainly old vines, with 74% 95 years of age or more; matured in older oak. Ripe, but a product of the cool year, this drinks towards mid-weight, with strawberry, wild raspberry, sour cherry, damson, pomegranate and medicinal herbs coiled into a thoughtful and intricate warp and weft of tannin. There’s a pleasing sour-fruited tension to this, which complements the grip, the combination aching for food. The ripeness is à point, the structure bravely savoury and compelling. It’s delightful, but no pushover.

95 points Special Value Marcus Ellis winecompanion.com.au

Very good, medium-bodied grenache, suggestive of a cooler, attenuated La Niña vintage. The tannins are long and refined, accentuated by a lower pH. Notes of Damson plums, rich strawberries, shrubs, licorice root and dried thyme. The finish is impressively persistent and refined. Excellent drinking.

93 points Ned Goodwin MW jamessuckling.com

Wirra Wirra Farmers Heart Grenache from McLaren Vale is a vibrant, expressive wine that perfectly captures the essence of one of Australia’s most iconic wine regions. McLaren Vale, known for its sun-soaked vineyards and rich, Mediterranean climate, provides the perfect conditions for growing Grenache, and Wirra Wirra, a winery with a long history and reputation for crafting outstanding wines, does a fantastic job of showcasing this variety.

The Farmers Heart Grenache is a relatively recent addition to Wirra Wirra’s lineup, but it has quickly become a favorite due to its rich fruit flavors and approachability. The winemaker, the talented Sue Bell, brings a modern touch to traditional winemaking techniques, focusing on minimal intervention and sustainability. The Grenache grapes are hand-harvested from select vineyards in McLaren Vale, where the old vines produce grapes with great depth and character. The wine undergoes fermentation in small batches, with a combination of stainless steel and oak aging to retain freshness while adding subtle complexity.

In the glass, Wirra Wirra Farmers Heart Grenache has a vibrant, deep ruby-red color, showcasing its youthful vibrancy. The nose is fragrant and inviting, with aromas of ripe red fruit—think cherry, raspberry, and strawberry—alongside a touch of spice, herbs, and a hint of vanilla from the oak. There’s also a subtle earthy undertone that adds complexity and reflects the unique terroir of McLaren Vale.

On the palate, this Grenache is medium-bodied with a smooth, rounded texture and soft tannins, making it incredibly drinkable. The fruit flavors are bright and juicy, with cherry and raspberry taking center stage, while the oak adds a layer of spice and a hint of sweetness. The wine has a lovely balance of acidity, which gives it a fresh, lively feel on the finish. The lingering notes of red fruit and spice make it a fun and satisfying wine to enjoy.

Wirra Wirra Farmers Heart Grenache is a versatile wine that pairs beautifully with a wide variety of dishes. Its bright fruit and soft tannins make it an excellent match for grilled meats, such as lamb or pork, as well as barbecue and charcuterie. It also pairs wonderfully with Mediterranean-inspired dishes like roasted vegetables, pasta with tomato-based sauces, or a classic pizza. Whether you’re enjoying it on a casual evening with friends or pairing it with a hearty meal, this Grenache is a crowd-pleaser.