In a recent review of the 2022 Vanguardist MVG Grenache, Gary Walsh asked and answered the rhetorical question “Is it the best Australian Grenache? I think maybe so.” A better question, I think, would have been “Is this the most beautiful Australian Grenache?” and my answer would most certainly be yes.
No one has captured the soaring aromatics, purity, precision, translucence, polish and clarity of Grenache better than Vanguardist. There are many styles of Grenache available to the winemaker and I doubt if one could find a better drink than this one, for anywhere near the price, anywhere in the world.
And let’s not forget the superb Mourvedre, one of Australia’s best to be sure, from the biodynamic vines of Yangarra. Similar to the Grenache, but with more texture and assertive tannins. The Mourvedre is food versatile in the extreme, whilst I would pair the Grenache with itself; it’s so beautiful.
Beautiful aromatics, with all the startling clarity and vivid detail of autumn. Medium bodied, chock full to the brim with cool, ripe red berry compote and Middle Eastern five spice. Composed, poised and with perfectly balance acidity. There is an effortless flow, the tannins discreet, streamlined and of cashmere. Beautiful wine, a real statement of beauty.
About as refined as you could imagine, with immense detail, poise, balance and beautiful texture. Like the Grenache this is very aromatic, but with black, briary and red fruits, flecked with potpourri, black olive and garrigue herbs. The tertiary element is in no way rustic and at the forefront is perfectly ripe, cool fruit. Texturally complex and luxurious, the tannins slick, yet applied thickly, intensifying the palate and lengthening the finish. One of Australia’s best.
