Winemaker Notes
The Barossa Valley Grenache Shiraz Mataro combines all three of the great Rhone red varieties, harmonizing the unique attributes of each variety into a complete wine. The blend is predominantly Grenache (approximately two thirds – vintage dependent) from mature Barossa Valley Grenache bush vines, with Shiraz and Mataro making up the balance. The parcels are matured for 15 months in 2,300-litre French oak foudres prior to blending and bottling. As the dominant component, Grenache offers powerful aromas of red fruits, kirsch, and black cherries, complemented by mincemeat, leather, game and heavy spices from the Shiraz and Mataro influences.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
An array of brambly red and dark berries with an air of attractive freshness. Flavors of ripe dark cherries and plush smooth tannins. The shiraz blackberries lead long into the fresh, flavorful finish. Drink now. Screw cap.
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Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
COMMENTARY: I have to admit that I could not place this wine when I tasted it. Was it the New World? Old World? The 2016 Powell & Son Grenache Shiraz Mataro speaks well of itself. TASTING NOTES: This wine shows plenty of fruit and earth. Its aromas of ripe berries show its sense of place. Pair its hint of rusticity with a slowly-braised Chinese beef stew accented with star anise. (Tasted: September 10, 2019, San Francisco, CA)
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The Powells' entry-level red is the 2016 Riverside Grenache Mataro Shiraz, a 70/20/10 blend that spent 15 months in foudres prior to bottling. It's full-bodied but floral and fine, with a silky texture, cherry fruit and a bit of earthy depth. It should drink well for 3-4 years, possibly more.
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Wine Spectator
Shows a floral, fragrant accent of dried lavender to the firm, robust black cherry and blackberry flavors at the core, with velvety tannins and persistence on the finish. Grenache, Mataro and Shiraz.
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.