Rising Star: 2018 Ess & See No. 5 Grenache McLaren Vale

What’s the first thing you think about when you think of Southern Australian red wine? If you answered Shiraz, you’re among good company. The grape has dominated for decades, but it’s not the only red wine grape that thrives in Australian regions like McLaren Vale. Grenache is now consideredthe rising star grape of McLaren Vale, and we have a must-try Grenache for you today.

The 2018 Ess & See No. 5 Grenache from McLaren Vale is part an exciting project founded by legendary Aussie winemaker Steve Grimley. The project is Five O-Clock Somewhere Wines where Grimley leads a group of passionate, young winemakers and wine-lovers who craft collections of wine that are inspired, inventive and engaging.

He leads by example by crafting his own wines at Five O’Clock under the label Ess & See. His Grenache, sourced from old vines that have thrived for 50+ years in the region’s terroir, is the ideal wine to acquaint you with McLaren Vale’s rising star, a grape that’s now commanding more money per ton than Cabernet Sauvignon and even more than Shiraz. Savvy winemakers like Grimley are choosing earlier picking dates for McLaren Vale Grenache, capturing fresh fruit and beautiful aromatics while keeping alcohol at reasonable levels.

Grenache is a fantastic pairing with smoky grilled meats, BBQ sauces, and grilled veggies so the timing of this wine with blue and black fruits, cocoa, and an herby earthiness is impeccable. With Memorial Day—the unofficial start of summer and the official start of grilling season—upon us, this is the ideal wine to toast the lighting of the grills!

We were more than happy to have procured a small allotment of Ees & See Grenache, a wine that’s not very easy to get your hands on. We have this stunning wine at an incredible price, just $23.95, over 30% off!

2016 Whitehall Lane Leonardini Estate Cabernet Sauvignon