Project Description
1864 GREENOCK GSM
When our vineyard was established in 1864 at Greenock in the North-West Barossa Valley, the very first plantings were of Grenache, Shiraz and Mourvedre. So it’s only appropriate that these traditional red varieties be brought together in this premium blend.
Hand-crafted from select barrels of wines, each matured for 24 months in a combination of French and American Oak, it will drink superbly on release. However, careful cellaring will also be rewarded, further integrating this flavoursome wine’s structure and revealing additional layers of complexity.
VINTAGES
GROWING SEASON
2018 vintage was superb. Winter was slightly wetter than average getting the vines off to a brilliant start leading them into Spring which was warmer and drier than average. Rain in early December refreshed the vines and ensured they remained strong and healthy for the overall dry and hot Summer. Autumn also remained dry with perfect Autumnal temperatures leading into harvest. The 2018 yields are good and the quality is excellent, a classic Barossa vintage.
VINEYARD
The Grenache comes from a 4-acre single vineyard block planted in the early 1900s. These vines are dry-grown, producing grapes of intense favour. The vineyard soil on the block is shallow sand over sandstone at the top end of the block, with sandy loamy soil over red clay at the bottom end of the block. Yields are about 1 to 1.5 tons to the acre. The Shiraz and Mourvédre blocks are similar in soil profiles to the Grenache block with the addition of quartz and iron stone. Each block has its unique features that result in additional layers of complex in the finished wine.
WINE MAKING
The Grenache, Shiraz and Mourvédre blocks were harvested from March 7th through to April 4th. All varieties were fermented separately in open top fermenters with hand pump overs twice a day during fermentation. After seven to fourteen days on skins the fermented grapes were traditionally pressed. To preserve the superb fresh fruit flavours of the Grenache, Shiraz and Mourvédre, wines were only aged in old French oak hogsheads for up to 24 months. On completion of maturation, components were blended for balanced flavour, texture and complexity and allowed time to full integrate prior to bottling.
TASTING NOTES
2018 1864 Greenock GSM is intense purple in colour marking a serious wine. Amazingly lifted and bright, there are bountiful aromatics of dark plum, violet, ripe raspberry, musk, clove, cinnamon and a touch of dried herbs. The palate is generous and mouth-filling. It is well rounded with lavish flavours of ripe berries, dark fruits and a trace of dark chocolate. There are engaging fine natural tannins giving a seamless and elegant structure. An alluring radiance of fruit purity prevails throughout, with lengthy barrel maturation adding complexity and softness. Shiraz, Grenache and Mourvédre are all work in harmony, delivering a layered wine of ample flavour, splendid structure and a lingering finish. Approachable now this stylish GSM that can be enjoyed now or well into the next decade.
GROWING SEASON
The 2017 season was stunning. The vines got off to a fantastic start with a wetter than average Winter and mild Spring. Summer brought typically average warm conditions with some excellent rainfall, twice the average. This kept the vines in superb condition for steady ripening into Autumn which remained dry with warm sunny days and cool nights. Yields from 2017 are good and quality is exceptional.
VINEYARD
The Grenache comes from a 4-acre single vineyard block planted in the early 1900s. These vines are dry-grown, producing grapes of intense favour. The vineyard soil on the block is shallow sand over sandstone at the top end of the block, with sandy loamy soil over red clay at the bottom end of the block. Yields are about 1 to 1.5 tons to the acre. The Shiraz and Mourvédre blocks are similar in soil profiles to the Grenache block with the addition of quartz and iron stone. Each block has its unique features that result in additional layers of complex in the finished wine.
WINE MAKING
The Grenache, Shiraz and Mourvédre blocks were harvested from March 2nd through to April 28th. All varieties were fermented separately in open top fermenters with hand pump overs twice a day during fermentation. After seven to fourteen days on skins the fermented grapes were traditionally pressed. To preserve the superb fresh fruit flavours of the Grenache, Shiraz and Mourvédre, wines were only aged in old French oak hogsheads for up to 24 months. On completion of maturation, components were blended for balanced flavour, texture and complexity and allowed time to full integrate prior to bottling.
TASTING NOTES
2017 1864 Greenock GSM is deep purple-black in colour. Bounding from the glass are incredible aromatics of juicy berries, dark cherry, rose petal, mark chocolate, musk, clove spice and fresh licorice. The intense bouquet continues to the bountiful palate. It is full, rich rounded and loaded with plenty of dark fruits. It is charmingly seamless with extremely fine tannins adding structure and texture. Maturation in seasoned French oak barrels has added complexity while preserving the fruit purity that is the hallmark of this wine. The bright and flavoursome fruits extend well into the lengthy finish. Approachable now this full flavoured, fruit-driven GSM can be enjoyed now or over the coming decade.
GROWING SEASON
2016 was hot and dry resulting in grapes ripening earlier than average. Winter and Spring rainfall was down by 38% whilst growing season temperatures were up by 3 degrees. Some welcome rain came at the end of January refreshing the vines and giving them good moisture to ripen to maturity. Yields from 2016 are solid and importantly quality is stunning. 2016 is certainly a star vintage with bright intense wines of great flavour intensity and inherent balance.
VINEYARD
The Grenache comes from a 4-acre single vineyard block planted in the early 1900s. These vines are dry-grown, producing grapes of intense favour. The vineyard soil on the block is shallow sand over sandstone at the top end of the block, with sandy loamy soil over red clay at the bottom end of the block. Yields are about 1 to 1.5 tons to the acre. The Shiraz and Mourvédre blocks are similar in soil profiles to the Grenache block with the addition of quartz and iron stone. Each block has its unique features that result in additional layers of complex in the finished wine.
WINE MAKING
The Grenache, Shiraz and Mourvédre blocks were harvested from March 13th through to April 7th. All varieties were fermented separately in open top fermenters with hand pump overs twice a day during fermentation. After seven to fourteen days on skins the fermented grapes were traditionally pressed. To preserve the superb fresh fruit flavours of the Grenache, Shiraz and Mourvédre, wines were only aged in old French oak hogsheads for up to 24 months. On completion of maturation, components were blended for balanced flavour, texture and complexity and allowed time to full integrate prior to bottling.
TASTING NOTES
2016 1864 Greenock GSM is dark purple in colour. The aromatics are amazing. There is a captivating display of vivid plum, rose florals, candy, spice and blackberry. Equally engaging is the full bodied, full flavoured palate. Juicy berries splash throughout the ripe and smooth palate. Intense pure dark fruit is the drive of this wine whilst fine supple tannins adding a structure of complexity. A very lengthy finish completes this well-balanced GSM. Approachable now this complex , fruit-driven wine can be enjoyed now or over coming decade.
GROWING SEASON
2015 produced excellent wines. It began with a wet Winter followed by a very dry growing season with less than half the average rainfall. Spring was warmer than average leading to an earlier bud burst and early vintage. Summer brought average temperatures, ensuring the dry conditions were not stressful to the vines, and a slow even ripening ensued. Quality is brilliant, certainly one of the highlights in recent years.
VINEYARD
The Grenache comes from a 4-acre single vineyard block planted in the early 1900s. These vines are dry-grown, producing grapes of intense favour. The vineyard soil on the block is shallow sand over sandstone at the top end of the block, with sandy loamy soil over red clay at the bottom end of the block. Yields are about 1 to 1.5 tons to the acre. The Shiraz and Mourvédre blocks are similar in soil profiles to the Grenache block with the addition of quartz and iron stone. Each block has its unique features that result in additional layers of complex in the finished wine.
WINE MAKING
The Grenache, Shiraz and Mourvédre blocks were harvested from March 7th through to April 9th. All varieties were fermented separately in open top fermenters with hand pump overs twice a day during fermentation. After seven to fourteen days on skins the fermented grapes were traditionally pressed. To preserve the superb fresh fruit flavours of the Grenache, Shiraz and Mourvédre, wines were only aged in old French oak hogsheads for up to 24 months. On completion of maturation, components were blended for balanced flavour, texture and complexity and allowed time to full integrate prior to bottling.
TASTING NOTES
2015 1864 Greenock GSM is vivid purple-red in colour. There are bright aromatics emanating from the glass including raspberry, musk perfume, mixed candy and sarsaparilla as well as savoury spice and dried herbs. The palate is round, mouth-filling and full flavoured with juicy crushed berry fruits. The natural tannins are extremely fine and add structure and texture to the seamless palate. Radiant purity of fruit is the hallmark of this wine, with lengthy seasoned barrel maturation adding complexity and softness. Shiraz, Grenache and Mourvédre all work in harmony together delivering a layered wine with rich lively fruits balanced by a touch of spice. A lingering long finish completes this premium GSM. Approachable now, this complex fruit-driven wine can be enjoyed but can be drunk over the coming decade.
GROWING SEASON
2014 was an excellent year. The wines from 2014 are strong with deep and vibrant colour, excellent fruit definition and solid but integrated tannin structure ensuring longevity for the wines. The 2014 growing season began with slightly above average Winter rainfall however Spring and early Summer were very dry with 40% less rain than normal. Temperatures were also up with the Spring/Summer growing season being an average of 2 degrees C warmer. However, this dry and warm season changed dramatically in mid February with 100mm of rain falling, the wettest February day in 45 years. The rain slowed the ripening of the grapes considerably, but average mild temperatures followed in March (25.7 degrees C) which ensured good flavour and moderate sugar development producing outstanding quality.
VINEYARD
The Grenache comes from a 4-acre single vineyard block planted in the early 1900s. These vines are dry-grown, producing grapes of intense favour. The vineyard soil on the block is shallow sand over sandstone at the top end of the block, with sandy loamy soil over red clay at the bottom end of the block. Yields are about 1 to 1.5 tons to the acre. The Shiraz and Mourvédre blocks are similar in soil profiles to the Grenache block with the addition of quartz and iron stone. Each block has its unique features that result in additional layers of complex in the finished wine.
WINE MAKING
The Grenache, Shiraz and Mourvédre blocks were harvested from March 6th through to April 11th. All varieties were fermented separately in open top fermenters with hand pump overs twice a day during fermentation. After seven to fourteen days on skins the fermented grapes were traditionally pressed. To preserve the superb fresh fruit flavours of the Grenache, Shiraz and Mourvédre, wines were only aged in old French oak hogsheads for up to 24 months. On completion of maturation, components were blended for balanced flavour, texture and complexity and allowed time to full integrate prior to bottling.
TASTING NOTES
2014 1864 Greenock GSM is vivid purple – black in colour. There are inviting and lifted aromatics of wild berries, rose perfume, marzipan, all-spice, raspberry, musk, licorice and a touch of forest earth. The full bodied palate is filled with juicy dark berry fruits. Fresh and bright, ripe tannins add backbone and structure. The hallmark of this well balanced wine is the purity of fruit, respected long term maturation in seasoned French barrels. Very drinkable, this GSM is completed by a lengthy finish. This is an approachable, fruit-driven wine that can be enjoyed now but will cellaring well over decade.
GROWING SEASON
2013 was a great quality year. However, yields were very low as a result of a very dry season, with less than half the normal growing season rainfall. It was also warmer than average with the dry and warm conditions resulting in vintage being three weeks earlier than normal. Importantly though, quality was amazing. Wines are rich, mouth filling and extremely lengthy.
VINEYARD
The Grenache comes from a 4-acre single vineyard block planted in the early 1900s. These vines are dry-grown, producing grapes of intense favour. The vineyard soil on the block is shallow sand over sandstone at the top end of the block, with sandy loamy soil over red clay at the bottom end of the block. Yields are about 1 to 1.5 tons to the acre. The Shiraz and Mourvédre blocks are similar in soil profiles to the Grenache block with the addition of quartz and iron stone. Each block has its unique features that result in additional layers of complex in the finished wine.
WINE MAKING
The Grenache, Shiraz and Mourvédre blocks were harvested from March 11th through to April 1st. All varieties were fermented separately in open top fermenters with hand pump overs twice a day during fermentation. After seven to fourteen days on skins the fermented grapes were traditionally pressed. To preserve the superb fresh fruit flavours of the Grenache, Shiraz and Mourvédre, wines were only aged in old French oak hogsheads for up to 24 months. On completion of maturation, components were blended for balanced flavour, texture and complexity and allowed time to full integrate prior to bottling.
TASTING NOTES
2013 1864 Greenock GSM is bright purple-black in colour. It is very lifted with aromas of dark rose perfume, cherries, fruit cake, musk, raspberries, milk chocolate and spice. The palate is very juicy and packed with dense flavours of bright red and black fruits. Full flavoured, round and harmonious, natural silky tannins add structure and texture. Lengthy maturation in seasoned French oak barrels has added complexity while respecting the fruit purity that is the hallmark of this wine. It’s a solid wine with controlled power giving it good balance. It’s a mouth filling wine that is completed by a very lengthy finish. This is an approachable, fruit-driven GSM can be enjoyed now cellared over the next decade.
GROWING SEASON
Vintage 2012 was a fantastic year. The wines from 2012 are outstanding and up there with 2010 and a good vintage to have in the cellar. Vintage 2012 began with a good growing season of moderate rainfall and normal temperatures. Summer and Autumn were perfect with generally warm sunny days and only a few heat periods but nothing extreme. The weather was generally dry with an occasional shower of rain refreshing the vines and keeping things fresh. The perfect mid-high 20s weather ensured the grapes ripened steadily and evenly producing outstanding quality.
VINEYARD
The Grenache comes from a 4-acre single vineyard block planted in the early 1900s. These vines are dry-grown, producing grapes of intense favour. The vineyard soil on the block is shallow sand over sandstone at the top end of the block, with sandy loamy soil over red clay at the bottom end of the block. Yields are about 1 to 1.5 tons to the acre. The Shiraz and Mourvedre blocks are similar in soil profiles to the Grenache block with the addition of quartz and iron stone. Each block has its unique features that result in additional layers of complex in the finished wine.
WINE MAKING
Following hand picking of the Grenache and Mourvedre on April 7th, grapes were de-stemmed into open-top fermenters. The must was warmly fermented using wild yeast hand plunging for the first 3 days and gentle hand pump-overs were carried out twice a day for flavour and colour extraction. After fermentation on skins for 10 days the must was traditionally pressed and then filled to barrel. The wine was matured in seasoned French oak hogsheads for 24 months prior to be blended with the Shiraz 13 weeks before bottling.
TASTING NOTES
2012 1864 Greenock GSM is vibrate rich purple in colour. There are inviting and lifted aromatics of wild berries, rose perfume, marzipan, all-spice, raspberry, musk, liquorice and a touch of red cherry. The medium-bodied palate is filled with juicy berry fruits. Fresh and bright, fine textured tannins add backbone and structure to the wine. The hallmark of this well balanced wine is the purity of quality fruit, and gentle long maturation in seasoned barrels. Drinking well on release, this GSM is completed by a lengthy clean finish. This is a traditional wine, fruit-driven and delicate in acid that will allow the wine to develop further in bottle and enjoyed for many years.
