You could pass this off as a savoury Grenache. Damn it's tasty. Durif is often seen as a big and gutsy wine, but that’s not the case here. Dangerously approachable, it’s a far cry from the 15% plus alcohol blockbusters coming from Rutherglen.

There’s plenty going on. Tar, lead pencil, mulberry and raspberry fruits, black pepper, black garden soil, and dried savoury herbs. A little perky acid rides the fruit to give good balance. A medium term cellaring option but is drinking well now.

Very good to excellent.

Region: Granite Belt
RRP: $30

www.goldengroveestate.com.au
Review by Queensland Wine,  December 12 2014