Cadenzia Grenache 2008

One of the big pluses of this visit to McLaren Vale was the wines from Dog Ridge. I had only seen one or two prior to this but they really impressed. This one was certainly a decent wine but for me, probably the least of all of theirs that I encountered (if one just thinks of Fred's Sparkling Chardy as some for the fun category – one has the impression that, with the possible exception of d'Arenberg's Chester Osborn, no one has more fun making his wines in McLaren Vale than Fred).

They have an interesting way with their Cadenzia. One year a straight varietal and the next a blend. Sales of these wines are not always the easiest and they have fans of both styles, so it works for them. Whether it was as a single variety or whether it was the 2008 vintage (not my fave) that brought this back to the pack, not sure.

But it did offer some lovely strawberry notes and good punchy acidity. Had acceptable balance, attractive fruit flavours and moderate length.

Nice wine and I really am looking forward to following this winery in the forthcoming years.

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