GSM Grenache Syrah Mourvedre 1998

Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre have been grown in McLaren Vale throughout its winemaking history. Together, these varieties also represent a traditional combination prevalent in the South of France, articularly the Southern Rhone Valley, where similar climatic conditions exist. In Australia, the combination of these three varieties in conjunction with contemporary winemaking expertise has heralded a new chapter in the story of modern Australian wine. First released from the 1994 vintage, GSM has become a benchmark for its style in Australia. The fruit is elected from low yielding and old vine sources to bring together premium parcels that enable us to create an outstanding wine.

Vineyard Region

McLaren Vale

Vintage Conditions

Late winter showers in August helped facilitate an even budburst, flowering and fruit-set. The lack of really hot weather and frequent cold nights fixed acid, tannin and colour stability. Hotter weather in mid-March oncentrated fruit flavours and accelerated final ripening.

Grape Variety

Grenache, Shiraz (Syrah), Mourvedre

Maturation

Fermentation was carried out in small, traditional open fermenters and modern vinomatics. Matured for a full 18 months in new and one year old American oak barrels.

Winemaker Comments: Philip Shaw

Colour

Rosemount GSM has a vibrant crimson appearance.

Nose

Displays intense berry fruit aromas with a deep underlying smoky spice. Savoury oak is also evident, underlying the primary fruit characters.

Palate

On the palate, the wine displays a fine depth of deep, spicy fruit flavour, rich in cinnamon and liquorice characters with a background of dusty, soft ripe tannins. There is a rich core of dark fruit and a long finish indicative of a high quality wine with the capacity to age.

Wine Analysis

Alc/Vol: 15.0%

Last Tasted

1 Jun 2001

Peak Drinking

Now - 2008

Food Matches

Ideally suited to Beef, Duck & Game