2024 Maxwell Tiers of Wisdom Grenache, McLaren Vale

From three sections of terraced rows on the estate’s '28-planted grenache block. This is a fine follow-up to the debut '23. Better than fine. It’s a stunner. So much depth and presence, allied with clarity and transparency. Old-vine soulfulness paired with deft and thoughtful articulation. Winemaker Kate Petering is making her mark here and this, for me, is her highest point. Those rows of vines perform very differently, and that variation yields many layers in the glass. A raft of familiar red fruits – cherry, cranberry, raspberry, redcurrant and the like – skidding into black, with dark cherries and wild plum, accented with an earthiness and a clean mineral undercurrent. It’s got dark spicing and floral notes, bergamot and white pepper. It’s also got tension, a savouriness of delivery. Just excellent.

97 points Special Value Marcus Ellis winecompanion.com.au

The Maxwell Tiers of Wisdom Grenache from McLaren Vale is a bold yet elegant expression of one of the region’s most exciting grape varieties. Maxwell Wines, established in 1979 by Mark Maxwell, is best known for its mead heritage but has also earned a strong reputation for premium red wines that celebrate McLaren Vale’s diverse terroir. The Tiers of Wisdom Grenache highlights old-vine sites planted on the Vale’s undulating soils of sand, clay and ironstone, which bring both fragrance and structure to the wine.

Grenache thrives in McLaren Vale’s Mediterranean climate, and Maxwell handles the variety with a light touch in the vineyard and winery to showcase its perfumed character. Grapes are hand-harvested, fermented in small open fermenters, and matured in seasoned French oak to preserve vibrancy while adding subtle complexity.

In the glass it shows a bright ruby hue. Aromatically, it opens with lifted red fruits—raspberry, cherry and pomegranate—layered with dried roses, thyme and hints of spice. The palate is medium-bodied and silky, with juicy red berry fruit balanced by fine tannins and a gentle earthiness. There’s a savoury mineral undertone from the soils, giving the wine both freshness and depth, and the finish is long and supple.

Food pairings bring out its versatile charm: chargrilled lamb cutlets with rosemary, duck breast with cherry glaze, or vegetarian dishes such as roasted eggplant with tahini or mushroom risotto. It can be enjoyed young for its vibrancy but will cellar gracefully for 6 to 8 years, developing more savoury, gamey notes with time.