2025 Greenock Creek Grenache, Barossa Valley

Greenock Creek is known for its concentrated wines, but this single-site grenache from Moppa could not be further from that perception. Light, airy and spacious with ginger-spice-flecked raspberry, redcurrant and cranberry fruits, hints of wildflowers, sarsaparilla, cola, exotic spice, rose petals and musk. Jeez, it smells great; it just makes you want to take a sip. You'll find it full of mineral energy and just a joy to drink.

93 points Special Value Dave Brookes, Halliday Wine Companion

Greenock Creek has never been about making polite, anonymous Barossa wines. Founded by Michael and Annabelle Waugh in the 1980s, the estate built its reputation from small vineyard parcels, low yields and reds with enormous personality. Grenache shows another side of the Greenock Creek character, trading some of the sheer muscle of its famous Shiraz for perfume, red fruit, spice and a more supple frame.

Barossa Grenache thrives in the region’s warm, dry conditions, particularly where mature vines can dig deeply into the soil and maintain balance through summer. The 2025 has the generosity you expect from the region, but Grenache’s natural fragrance keeps things buoyant. It is juicy and immediately appealing, with enough tannin and savoury detail to stop all that fruit becoming too sweet or simple.

Bright ruby crimson rather than opaque, with raspberry, Morello cherry and ripe strawberry at the front of the bouquet. Rose petal, blood orange and lavender follow, then fennel seed, liquorice and cracked pepper. The palate is plush and juicy, with raspberry and cherry running through fine, sandy tannins. Orange peel and anise add bite, while a touch of earthy spice keeps the finish dry and savoury.

Char siu pork would be terrific, as would lamb kofta with sumac and yoghurt, grilled chicken with harissa, smoky eggplant with pomegranate or a spicy nduja and roasted capsicum pizza. Our pick is the char siu. Sweetly glazed pork, five spice and Grenache’s raspberry fruit are very happy travelling companions.

Cellaring: Drink now to 2035.