Winemaker Notes
Vibrant crimson with garnet hues. Intense and alluring aromas of fresh raspberries, dark plums and cumquat are complemented beautifully by savory nuances of mace, nutmeg, cracked black pepper, anise and Dutch licorice. The palate is pure and concentrated with ripe raspberry and dark plum flavors balanced by hints of chicory, candied orange and black pepper; complex layers of texture, minerality and fine-grained velvety tannins with an exceptionally long finish.
Pair with ragu pasta with forest mushrooms, broccolini, peas, almonds and goats
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
Lifted and perfumed aromas of boysenberries, rose petals, hibiscus and raspberry coulis. The palate is energetic, with nicely framed tannins, bright acidity and a medium-bodied palate. Flavors of red currants, pomegranates and cassis are complemented by a bright and crunchy finish. A blend of 79% grenache and 21% mataro made from 70-year-old vines.
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Vinous
The 2022 Johann's Garden delivers a refined Barossa wine with red cherry and dried herb, Grenache aromas prominent with a touch of wood smoke. Then kapow - an abundance of ripe prolonged flavor and energy with acidity and chalky tannins offering strong support over a gamey finish accented by a tannic twist. Impressive integrity and destined for a long future.
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Wine Enthusiast
You can always trust Grenache to bring the party. Lightening and brightening is what the variety does best, and here it's a strawberry and currant jam fest (without feeling overripe). There're subtle lines of pepper spice and dried herbs and florals, too. The palate is mouth-filling, more of Grenache's inherent fruitiness at the fore, with a line of white pepper tannins framing. It's still young and primary, but give this another few years in bottle and it should evolve gracefully. Cellar Selection
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2022 Johann's Garden comprises 79% Grenache and 21% Mataro. The wine is perfumed and detailed, with licorice/fennel, hung deli meat, cherry, raspberry, milk chocolate and blood plum. The palate follows in the same vein and is shaped by fine tannins.
With bold fruit flavors and accents of sweet spice, Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre form the base of the classic Rhône Red Blend, while Carignan, Cinsault and Counoise often come in to play. Though they originated from France’s southern Rhône Valley, with some creative interpretation, Rhône blends have also become popular in other countries. Somm Secret—Putting their own local spin on the Rhône Red Blend, those from Priorat often include Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. In California, it is not uncommon to see Petite Sirah make an appearance.
The Barossa Zone encompasses the Barossa Valley and Eden Valley. Some of the oldest vines in Australia can be found here.
Barossa Valley of course is the most important and famous wine growing region in all of Australia where 140+ year-old, dry-farmed Shiraz vines still produce inky, purple and dense juice for some of Australia's best wines.
In the cooler, wetter Eden Valley sub-region, the Hill of Grace vineyard is home to famous Shiraz vines from the 1800s but the region produces also some of Australia’s very best and age-worthy Rieslings.