Another upgrade in the huge hierarchy at Yalumba, the Hand Picked selections are all impressive. Grenache is handled well at Yalumba, and the Grenache Tricentenary is a beautiful wine. It spent time in old French hogsheads. The wine is a full-bodied, fruity effort boasting plenty of kirsch, cherry, pepper, and loamy soil notes. Enjoy this attractive red during its first 5-7 years of life. Importer: Negociants, USA, Napa CA; tel. (707) 259-0993

Offers rich, pretty aromas of molasses, tea, mixed cherries and anise. On the palate, it has a Cotes-du-Rhonish style and weight, with plum, herb and pepper flavors. A very good wine in the grand scheme of things but perhaps a disappointment for this particular bottling, considering what these old vines are usually capable of. Tasted twice.——D.T.(3/1/2005)—— 87