The GSM “Cadenzia” is a blend of 47% Grenache, 41% Shiraz, and 12% Mourvedre. A portion of the Mourvedre was purchased but in subsequent vintages the GSM will be produced entirely from estate fruit. It exhibits reticent aromas of earth, sage, spice box, black cherry, and black raspberry. In the mouth the wine is quite tannic and will need extended cellaring of 5-7 years to round out. Whether that might happen is a bit of a gamble. If it does, my score will be seen as conservative. Yangarra Estate Vineyards, whose first vintage was in 2000, was purchased by Jess Jackson in 2001. It is located in the Foothills/Blewitt Springs region of McLaren Vale. Grenache and Shiraz are the two principal varieties planted on the estate. The winery uses all wild ferments, 100% French oak, predominantly new for the Shiraz, and 2-3 years old for the Grenache, and the Grenache is all grown on bush vines. Seventy-five percent of the production is sold in the USA.Importer: Kendall-Jackson, Sonoma, CA; tel. (800) 769-3649; www.yangarra.com

Toasty, spicy character competes against ripe cherry fruit, bringing welcome tension to this earthy blend. The finish persists impressively. Grenache, Shiraz and Mourvèdre. Best after 2008. 1,789 cases made, 1,589 cases imported.??–HS??Region: Australia / McLaren Vale Select to Add