Back in September I offered the Head Wines Ancestor Vine Grenache 2015, saying it was destined for greatness. This terrific wine has just been included in James Suckling's Top 100 Wines of 2017.
For those unfamiliar with James Suckling, he was a senior critic at Wine Spectator for almost 30 years until 2010, when he left to set up his own venture, jamessucklingdotcom.
Seemingly widely disliked, Suckling encountered more than his fair share of criticism. Eric Arnold of Forbes Magazine wrote that Suckling drew the ire of“just about everyone who (a) cares about wine and/or wine media, (b) worked with him at some point in the past or (c) passed by him in the airport one time.”
“Instead of using his wisdom and knowledge to highlight new and exciting discoveries for the large and growing wine-drinking world, he's doing just the opposite: He's buddying up with the high-end producers in Bordeaux, Italy and California who need about as much attention and hype as Lady Gaga - and whose wines were already outrageously expensive and inaccessible to all but the laughably wealthy.”
Whether you love or loath his style, you can’t argue that Suckling knows his stuff and despite calls of elitism - he has rated Head Wines Ancestor Vine Grenache 2015 a whopping 97 points.
More importantly, he decided to include it in his Top 100wines of the year. Suckling and his team get through about 16,000 wines a year, so this is a big deal.
“A deep color foreshadows a wealth of concentrated raspberries and red fruit on the nose, as well as poached cherries and swish, cedary oak influence that's well fitted. There are some darker blackberries too and a swathe of mountain herbs and chalky edge. This is super pure. The palate's glossy and crunchy, offering striking primary purity for now and impeccable balance. There are a lot of sweet but tart red fruits within the raspberry/cherry spectrum, and smoothly rendered tannins provide a lot of depth and detail. Tangy, juicy and very bright acidity. Full of concentrated flesh and pulpy grenache goodness. Superb wine. Drink now and through to 2025+".97 points, James Suckling.
It was awarded a Gold Medal and Trophy for the Best Grenache at the 2016 Barossa Wine Showand 98 points as the top Grenache in Halliday’s Wine Companion.
This is simply an outstanding wine. I’ve managed to get a few more bottles, the last I can get my hands on (and a few are going into my cellar) so be quick.
I can offer it for $100 a bottle. SOLD OUT Go to new vintage
Click here to read more about this superb wine
Remember we've got all your fizz options covered:
Prosecco from a great producer Canella Prosecco 2015 - $27
Bollinger bubbles from the Loire
Langlois-Chateau Crémant de Loire Blanc Brut NV - $29
Langlois-Chateau Crémant de Loire Rosé Brut NV - $31
For a bit of New World brilliance check out this multi-award-winning estate from Central Otago, NZ.
Akarua Rosé - $35
Akarua Brut NV - $35
Akarua Vintage 2011 - $53
But if only Champagne will do, this beautifully refined yet complex drop should suffice. Thienot NV - $65
Our delicious rosés are beautiful summer drinking and so versatile at the table - available here
Domaine Chanson Le Bourgogne Pinot Noir 2015 is without a doubt one of the best value Bourgogne Rouge to be found - available here
