Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2008 G.A.M. Shiraz comes from a single block of 25 year old vines grown on black, cracking, devigorating clay. Very deep garnet-purple colored, it possesses moderate to intense floral / potpourri aromas over black cherry, warm black currant, anise, coffee and some underbrush. Very crisp and medium to full-bodied, it gives a medium-firm level of grainy tannins and a long mocha-laced finish. Drink it now for more of a primary fruit character, though it should evolve nicely over 3-5 years and drink to 2017.
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Wine Spectator
Firm in texture and vibrant in flavor, this pulses with blackberry, chocolate and licorice flavors that sweep through the long, expressive finish. Best from 2012 through 2018.
Marked by an unmistakable deep purple hue and savory aromatics, Syrah makes an intense, powerful and often age-worthy red. Native to the Northern Rhône, Syrah achieves its maximum potential in the steep village of Hermitage and plays an important component in the Red Rhône Blends of the south, adding color and structure to Grenache and Mourvèdre. Syrah is the most widely planted grape of Australia and is important in California and Washington. Sommelier Secret—Such a synergy these three create together, the Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre trio often takes on the shorthand term, “GSM.”
Known for opulent red wines with intense power and concentration, McLaren Vale is home to perhaps the most “classic” style of Australian Shiraz. Vinified on its own or in Rhône Blends, these hot-climate wines are deeply colored and high in extract with signature hints of dark chocolate and licorice. Cabernet Sauvignon is also produced in a similar style.
Whites, often made from Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc tend to be opulent and full of tropical, stone and citrus fruit.