2025 Fearon Grenache

95/100 Halliday Wine Companion

The variety closest to winemaker Tim's heart, and the reason he got into winemaking (growing up near McLaren Vale, and got into wine drinking McLaren Vale Grenache). More inspired by Priorat than Rhone, 100% Grenache from Ferguson Valley/Geographe. Two different clones, picked and vinified separately over sequential stages of ripeness. Final blend consisted of one-third semi-carbonic/whole bunch ferment, with the balance destemmed and fermented as uncrushed whole berries. Extended maceration, then aged in seasoned French oak for 10 months. Bottled unfined/unfiltered.

Region: Ferguson Valley, Geographe

Alcohol: 13.5%

Tasting Notes:

Deeply personal and intensely expressive, this Grenache draws more from Priorat than the Rhône - structured and serious, yet bursting with character. Expect concentrated dark cherry, dried raspberry and blood orange on the nose, layered with earth, iron, dried herbs and a suggestion of warm spice. The palate is generous and grippy, with plush fruit, savoury tannins built from extended maceration, and a long, mineral-edged finish from 10 months in seasoned French oak.

Pairing:

Built for the table - roasted lamb with herbs, slow-braised pork shoulder, or a proper Spanish-inspired spread of jamón, manchego and good crusty bread.

“A spicy little princess with a wicked backhand. Pink peppercorn, terracotta dusk, white pepper, raspberry and redskins. It sits somewhere between new-age Grenache, old-school grandeur and a touch of Priorat – a direction winemaker Tim deliberately pursued. Made from two different clones, picked and vinified separately. It’s an intriguing wine. Lots of rocks and herbs. Very pale in colour, romantic for sure. The palate follows suit: paperbark, more spice and cedar, the latter from oak. I personally like this intellectual style of wine. Very savoury. The tannins are abundant and sustained, chalky and framing, with another crack of white pepper on the finish. Eat with truffle and prosciutto” - Cyndal Petty, @cyndal_petty, April 2026

https://winepilot.com/fearon-grenache-2025/