Best Australian GSM wines - panel tasting results

Highlights

The best wines were terrific, but essentially it was a mixed bag for an evolving style, said our panel of expert tasters after putting around 70 Grenache-Shiraz-Mourvèdre wines through their paces. See the top scorers below...

Originally published in the April 2016 issue of Decanter and now re-published online, exclusively for Decanter Premium subscribers.

71 wines tasted, with 3 Outstanding chosen by our panel of Anthony Rose, Justin Knock MW and Vicky Stephens-Clarkson MW

The summary

The heartland regions of McLaren Vale and Barossa Valley both starred, with leading producers doing well, as expected, proving that the GSM category has great potential, says Anthony Rose…

Aussie GSM blends: know your vintages

2015 Despite wind, frost and rain, a warmer than average summer, with ripe, often pale Grenache and Mourvedre for pure, mid-bodied wines.

2014 Challenging vintage of variable temperatures and above-average rainfall with medium-bodied, savoury wines for good easy drinking.

2013 Drier and warmer than average with low yields. Similar to 2010 but more forward and fruit driven with solid tannins and a warm finish.

2012 Perfect ripening season, with low yields in areas. A much-touted vintage along 2010 lines with opulence, structure and firm acid backbone.

2011 Abnormally cold and wet year with botrytis problems producing light, herbal wines that are either forgettable or at best lean and European in style.

2010 A classic year with a hot spring and warm summer, producing wines of full-bodied, ripe rich fruit with good structure and balance.

2009 A warm, dry year with below-average yields in Shiraz and Grenache and a mild summer producing fine Grenache and Mourvedre.