2024 Maxwell Four Roads Old Vine Grenache, McLaren Vale

There’s some lovely aromatic lift here with aromas of raspberry, red cherry, violets, dried herbs and earthy spice. The palate is juicy and finely structured with silky tannins, bright acidity and a savory finish. Made from old grenache vines planted in 1928. Drink or hold.

94 points Ryan Montgomery for James Suckling, September 2026

This comes off terraced vines planted in 1928 on the Maxwell estate, sitting atop a limestone slab. The same vines go to make the Tiers of Wisdom, now in its third edition. In that time, the connectivity between the two wines has become clearer, with this now a purer, more elegant expression, though still with the intensity the soils yield and the tension of the limestone. Dried cherry, cranberry, goji berry, dried rose, warm earth, a sprinkling of white pepper (10% whole bunch). It’s savoury, vigorous with mineral acidity and finely laced with sandy tannin. Love the direction here. Superb value. Drink to 2032.

94 points Special Value Marcus Ellis for Halliday Wine Companion, March 2026

Maxwell Four Roads Old Vine Grenache is a wine that shows the more soulful, nuanced side of McLaren Vale, where Grenache steps out of Shiraz’s shadow and speaks clearly for itself. The fruit comes from old bush vines grown on sandy and ironstone influenced soils, a combination that naturally limits yields and gives Grenache fragrance, fine texture and an unmistakable sense of place.

Maxwell Wines has long understood the value of old vines in McLaren Vale. While the estate is often associated with powerful reds, Four Roads is about restraint and respect for vineyard character. The name reflects both the crossroads of tradition and modern thinking, and the blending of parcels from different sites to capture the best expression of old vine Grenache. Winemaking is gentle, with careful extraction and sensitive oak handling to preserve perfume and freshness.

In the glass, this Grenache is lifted and expressive. Red cherry, raspberry and strawberry sit alongside rose petal, dried herbs and subtle spice. There is a lovely savoury undercurrent, hints of earth and ironstone, that adds depth without weight. The palate is supple and flowing, with fine tannins, bright acidity and a long, graceful finish that keeps things light on its feet.

This is a wine made to be enjoyed at the table. It pairs beautifully with roast chicken, lamb, grilled vegetables, Mediterranean dishes or anything touched by olive oil and herbs. While delicious now for its vibrancy and charm, it also rewards short to medium term cellaring, gaining more savoury complexity with time.

Maxwell Four Roads Old Vine Grenache is a reminder of just how compelling McLaren Vale Grenache can be when old vines, thoughtful farming and a gentle hand in the cellar come together.