2017 Varney Wines GSM
McLaren Vale, SA
The super value 97 point GSM from James Halliday's Best New Winery in 2021.
$30.00
Out of Stock
Its complexity knows no bounds...
James Halliday (Halliday Wine Companion)
About The Wine
This is the quintessential McLaren Vale GSM.
It's a classic case of right varieties grown in the right place. Alan Varney knows how to put these blends together in just the right way thanks to years of experience making wine in South Australia.
He's nailed this wine. The rosy red fruits of the bush vine Grenache coupled with the sweet dark fruits of the Shiraz and the savouriness of the Mataro, it's a winning combination.
With 97 points from James Halliday, this is one of the best value examples of a GSM released in McLaren Vale this year.
About Varney
Varney Wines began with just a "tonne for fun" for Alan Varney to play around with over a decade ago.
He took his years of experience working at top South Australian wineries, including time spent at Orlando Wines, Longview Vineyard and over a decade as senior winemaker at d’Arenberg, and poured his skills into crafting a style of wine that he and his friends and family could enjoy.
The side gig became a full-time obsession, leading to Alan purchasing a dilapidated property at the Gateway of McLaren Vale to house a tasting room alongside his wife Kathrin’s restaurant, Victor’s Place. A sustainable modern winery was built. Their first commercial release was unveiled. The wines have been taking off ever since culminating with Varney being named James Halliday's Best New Winery in 2021.
McLaren Vale, SA
From The Producer
THE VINEYARDS
Grenache sourced from 60+ year old bush vines planted in Blewitt Springs and Seaview sub-regions, McLaren Vale - Shiraz sourced from one single site in Clarendon, McLaren Vale. Vine age 20+ years - Mourvèdre sourced from White’s Valley, McLaren Vale. Vine age 20+ years
WINEMAKING
Bush Vine Grenache picked early to retain natural acidity. Each variety fermented separately. Crushed, cold soaked for 3-5 days. Approx 5% whole bunch (Grenache), wild carbonic maceration, 14 to 21 days on skins in headed down open fermenters. Pressed to seasoned Burgundy coopered Barriques. Matured for 7 months and blended prior to bottling. Contains minimal sulphites. Acidity: 5.8 g/l | pH: 3.53.
Blend : 38% Grenache, 32% Shiraz, 30% Mourvèdre
ABV : 13.9%
Closure : Screw Cap
Drink Until : 2027
Bottle Size : 750ml
McLaren Vale, SA
Critic Reviews
"A 38/32/30% grenache shiraz mourvedre blend. Multiply the '17 vintage with Alan Varney's vinous beliefs and the quality of each piece in the jigsaw puzzle has been put in place. Its complexity knows no bounds, savoury yet sweet, the mouthwatering flavours leading me close to drooling." - James Halliday (Halliday Wine Companion)
"A lovely, vibrant wine in the glass. Hearty, meaty, earthy aromas, briars and dried herbs. Dried plums and redcurrants lead the palate - it wrestles with itself and is better for the tussle. Intense raspberries and cranberries build to the finish. Classy and composed. Tremendous." - Nick Butler (The Real Review)
"It has that sort of woodsy, mulchy character that often characterises McLaren Vale wines from 2017, though on balance, it works in its favour here. Liquorice, mint, dried herb, squished berries, pepper and spice. Supple tannin, new leather and meat, falling to savoury and saline, though the fruit is enough to go around. Blood orange tang, black olive and dried herb on a solid finish. Earthy and good." - Gary Walsh (The Wine Front)
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