Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2009 G.A.M. Shiraz gives notes of blackberry preserves, warm black plums and creme de cassis over olives, underbrush, Ceylon tea and mace, plus a hint of dark chocolate. Full bodied and richly fruited in the mouth, it has a medium level of finely grained tannins, lively acid and a long finish. Drink it now to 2019.
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Wine Spectator
This rich red is redolent of tobacco, roasted game and spices around a core of dark cherry and berry flavors, playing against fine tannins. Best from 2014 through 2020.
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.