Project Description
UNION STREET GSM
Once, twice, thrice that’s the number of times we go into the vineyard to pick the three grape varieties to make this noble blend. Grenache, Shiraz, Mourvédre as each variety ripens at a different time and imparts its own distinct characters to the resultant wine.
This traditional blend is a De Fazio family favourite, often seen on the table at family gatherings. This elegant flavoursome wine was such a favourite amongst their Australian friends that they joked that GSM stood for Good Stuff Mate.
Displaying red and dark berry characters with a pleasant persistent soft finish a medium body wine perfect for the lunch table, but be careful as one thing is for sure you’ll find it hard to stop at one.
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 very 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 Union Street GSM is vivid purple in colour. Amazingly lifted and bright, there are bountiful aromatics of dark plum, violet, ripe raspberry, musk, sarsaparilla, 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 milk chocolate. There are engaging fine natural tannins giving a seamless and elegant structure. An alluring radiance of fruit purity prevails throughout, with barrel maturation adding complexity and softness. Shiraz, Grenache and Mourvédre all work in harmony together delivering a layered wine of ample flavour, splendid structure and a lingering finish. Union Street GSM is an approachable, fruit-driven GSM that can be enjoyed now or over the next 5 to 8 years.
GROWING SEASON
2017 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 very 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 Union Street s GSM is deep purple-black in colour. Bounding from the glass are incredible aromatics of juicy berries, dark cherry, rose petal, milk chocolate, musk, clove spice and fresh licorice. The intense bouquet continues to the bountiful palate. It is full, 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 respecting the fruit purity that is the hallmark of this wine. The bright and flavoursome fruits extend well into the lengthy finish. Union Street GSM is an approachable, fruit-driven GSM that can be enjoyed now or over the next 5 to 8 years.
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 very 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 Union Street GSM is dark red-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 medium bodied, full flavoured palate. Juicy berries splash throughout the ripe and smooth palate. Intense pure 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. Union Street GSM is an approachable, fruit-driven wine that is best enjoyed now or over the next 5 to 8 years.
