Flavoursome but surprisingly graceful/subtle – and remarkably underpriced – this may change your preconceptions about Barossa Valley reds, especially about Barossa Grenache.
The Barossa is often revered or reviled for its “fistful of flavour, sometimes alcohol-hot” reds.
Many Australians ardently love Barossa Shiraz, but shy away from Barossa Grenache; they regard the latter as a “rubbish” grape and harbour unfond memories of fat and flabby Grenache wines that tasted like overcooked fruits or burnt jam.
The 2012 Stonehorse GMS is 80% old vine Grenache, aka garnacha or cannonau. None of it burnt or flabby, this Grenache is more “poorer man’s Pinot”.
There is 17% old vine Mouvedre (aka mataro or monastrell) and 3% Shiraz.
The end result is a perfectly balanced combination of fragrance, berry and savoury flavours; tannins and (old) oak are crucial but discreet presences.
“Barossa monsters” are oft instantly gratifying, but “love at first lipsmack” is all too often over before bottle’s end – what initially entices soon proves cloying and heavy.
No such problem here; as you make your way through a bottle of this less-monstrous Barossa red your delight will only deepen; it is an ideal partner to slow-cooked dishes.
Australian recommended retail price is $22.
Direct from Kaesler you could pay $19.
It would be good value at twice the price.