d’Arenberg, McLaren Sand Hills (McLaren Vale, South Australia) Grenache 2010

 Before you’d plunk down $85 for a bottle of Grenache, I’d guess you’d need assurance that what you’d be getting would be comparable to the very best bottlings of Châteauneuf-du-Pape.  Well, I’m here to offer you assurance of exactly that.  This shows soaring aromas and persistent flavors of fresh pie cherries, wild strawberries and even a hint of cranberry, along with floral and spice accents.  The flavors are quite open and generous, yet the wine finishes with lots of tannic grip, and I have no doubt that it will continue to improve if cellared for a full decade.  Once those 10 years have passed, my guess is that my score will look stingy rather than generous.