Vanguardist Wines Grenache Gris/ Grenache Blanc 2025 [JH 95]

James Halliday Wine Companion 95 points.

Michael Corbett has had near a decade of vintages in the Rhône, which informs the dominant varietal mix in the portfolio, if his interpretations are profoundly individual. A new wine, from Vine Vale, with vines grafted in '23; 62/38% grenache gris/grenache blanc. It’s a sunnier expression than the Vanguardist norm, but that’s a varietal thing, and perhaps more blanc than gris. Up front, yellow orchard fruits – pear, peach, apple – then the detail kicks in with fresh, soft fennel seeds and pollen, chamomile flower, green almond, roasted hazelnut skin, citron pith and preserved lemon. A lemon-barley-water texture, salivating, savoury. An excellent debut, and you can feel the potential for greater heights.

Marcus Ellis

Published 24 February 2026