Readers know that I am obsessed with Grenache. Naturally, my interest in its white sibling, Grenache Blanc, has heightened my curiosity as well. This release is an excellent expression from Orbis Wines.
I have previously stated that I feel the Barossa produces Grenache Blanc a little better than McLaren Vale, but as more vines pop out of the ground, the sample size continues to expand. What I'm most curious about with Grenache Blanc is the soils. Grenache has shown that it shines best on sandy soils, either in Vine Vale (Barossa) or Blewitt Springs (McLaren Vale). The older these Grenache Blanc vines get and the more we learn about the variety, I'm most curious whether the soils impact this white version as they do the red. I'll be sure to circle back to this some time in the future.
But to this release from Orbis Wines... This set of samples has impressed deluxe for their sheer approachability. Heck, my leading line with the Trousseau was that it is "throatable".
This Grenache Blanc is delicious and smashes the brief. It's the best expression of Grenache Blanc that I have seen to date. Fact! It's a layered and textured beauty and the mouth is coated with interest. Poached pears and canned apple sit at the core with apricot kernel, red apple skin, quince and fine sheets of ginger spices rippling through. Its considered approach has a silkiness, yet a playful edge that teases and urges you to return for more. An acid pop adds further joy and zip as the finish is seemingly endless. Check it out - I enthusiastically recommend it.
95/100
Region: McLaren Vale
