Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
-
Jeb Dunnuck
The 2014 G.A.M. is always 100% Shiraz from the Lopresti Vineyard (the Chinese Block, to be exact) located at the southern end of the McLaren Vale. Aged 18 months in 70% new French oak, its deep plum/purple color is followed by a ripe, sexy bouquet of black fruits, truffle, chocolate, and asphalt. Medium to full-bodied, opulent, and balanced on the palate, with good concentration, it’s a terrific Aussie Shiraz that will keep for 7-8 years.
-
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Deep garnet in color with a hint of purple, the 2014 Shiraz G A M offers fruitcake, preserved plums and blueberry tart notes with suggestions of mocha, Marmite and bacon fat. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is laden with spicy black berry preserve layers, supported by rounded tannins and seamless acidity, finishing long and savory.
-
James Suckling
This manages to carry the riper fruit with composure. There's a strong thread of bold plum, licorice, and blackberry. Deep and plush finish.
-
Wine Enthusiast
This is a big, dense red, with aromas of cherry, chocolate cake, licorice and a little menthol. The full-bodied palate is savory and herbal, with more licorice notes and fine-grained tannins. This should cellar well through 2028.
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.