Winemaker Notes
Old Barossa vignerons referred to their vineyards as gardens. The Three Gardens is a contemporary blend of Grenache, Shiraz and Mataro, varieties which have been grown in the Barossa since the 1840s. The best characteristics of each variety have been combined to create a truly harmonious wine. Medium depth crimson with purple hues. Ripe red fruits and black cherry on the nose with mocha, subtle savory and herbal notes adding complexity. The bright and juicy fruits coat the palate and are balanced by pepper and sweet spices. Medium-bodied in structure with great complexity and lovely silky tannins which flow through the fruity, peppery and spicy finish.
Blend: 36% Grenache, 30% Shiraz, 30% Mataro, 2% Carignan, 2% Counoise
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
A blend of 36% Grenache and 30% each Shiraz and Mataro (there's a smidgeon of Carignan and Counoise as well), the 2019 Three Gardens Grenache Shiraz Mataro spent a year in older oak prior to bottling. Raspberry and strawberry notes lead the way, but there's a darker undercurrent of black olives and plums, plus hints of wild thyme and sage to lend a savory edge. Medium to full-bodied, this is supple and easy to drink now but with sufficient concentration to sustain several years in the cellar.
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.
Historically and presently the most important wine-producing region of Australia, the Barossa Valley is set in the Barossa zone of South Australia, where more than half of the country’s wine is made. Because the climate is very hot and dry, vineyard managers work diligently to ensure grapes reach the perfect levels of phenolic ripeness.
The intense heat is ideal for plush, bold reds, particularly Shiraz on its own or Rhône Blends. Often Shiraz and Cabernet partner up for plump and powerful reds.
While much less prevalent, light-skinned varieties such as Riesling, Viognier or Semillon produce vibrant Barossa Valley whites.
Most of Australia’s largest wine producers are based here and Shiraz plantings date back as far as the 1850s or before. Many of them are dry farmed and bush trained, still offering less than one ton per acre of inky, intense, purple juice.