Grenache Down Under

OK, I am going to just come out and say it. I have had red wines from Australia over the years and enjoyed many of them. Typically they are big, robust red wines - the Australian swashbuckler of wines - compared to, say, the somewhat more refined wines of France. Don't get me wrong; I love big and robust, and even better with an Australian accent. However, some Australian red wines have a pronounced vanilla flavor which I find unappealing. I know this is a generalization, but it is something I have noticed only with Australian wine.

This brings me to a bottle I tasted this week. It is a 2006 d'Arenberg Grenache "The Custodian." Reasonably priced at $13.99 I had high hopes. Dark ruby-purple in color, it has cherry, raspberry and black currant aromas combined with earthy, spicy smells. It's also heavy with vanilla flavor, and therefore not a personal choice. However, this wine has been well reviewed and rated, so I would recommend it as a well-priced full-bodied, fruity Australian wine that would stand up well to meats and grilled food - perfect Aussie fare. And if you like your swashbucklers with a scent of vanilla, this is your wine.