Hither & Yon Old Jarvie 'The Saviour' Grenache Blend 2020

This blend combines grenache with mataro (mourvèdre) and touriga nacional, creating an Iberian-inspired profile that's unusual for McLaren Vale. The Portuguese touriga grape adds exotic florals and structure, while mataro contributes earthy complexity. This Mediterranean approach results in a wine with wild herb characteristics and menthol freshness that distinguishes it from fruit-forward Aussie blends, offering both Old World sophistication and New World generosity.

McLaren Vale's warm Mediterranean climate and diverse soils create ideal conditions for these heat-loving varieties. The region's proximity to the ocean provides cooling influences that preserve the bright acidity and floral aromatics essential to this blend. McLaren Vale's reputation for producing structured yet approachable wines aligns perfectly with this medium-bodied style, allowing the grenache to maintain elegance while the supporting varieties add complexity and regional character.

Serve slightly below room temperature (around 16-18°C) to highlight the wine's bright fruit and herbal complexity. The medium body and energetic structure make it versatile for food pairing - the toasted spice and roasted nut notes complement grilled meats beautifully, while the red florals and rhubarb aromatics pair excellently with Mediterranean dishes. Decanting for 30 minutes will help integrate the wild herb elements with the dark berry fruit.

This rating indicates exceptional quality-to-price ratio, suggesting the wine delivers complexity and craftsmanship typically found in much more expensive bottles. The combination of estate-grown fruit, skilled blending of three varieties, and the producer's reputation creates a wine that punches well above its weight class. For grenache blends of this calibre from McLaren Vale, you'd normally expect to pay significantly more, making this an insider's choice for serious wine value.

While delicious now with its bright energy and fresh aromatics, this blend has the structure to evolve beautifully over 3-5 years. The grenache will develop more savoury complexity, the mataro will contribute earthier tones, and the touriga will integrate further, creating a more seamless profile. The wine's natural acidity and medium tannins provide the backbone for graceful ageing, though its current vibrancy makes it equally rewarding for immediate enjoyment.