Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2006 GSM Show Reserve (47% Grenache, 47% Shiraz, and 6% Mourvedre) was raised in a mix of new and seasoned oak (70%) and tank (30%). Dark ruby-colored, it sports a complex perfume of smoke, Asian spices, underbrush, kirsch, and blueberry. Medium to full-bodied on the palate, cinnamon and licorice notes emerge along with plenty of spicy, layered fruit and enough fine-grained tannin to ensure 2-3 years of further development. This savory, pleasure-bent wine will drink well though 2018.
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.
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.