2017 Geoff Merrill Bush Vine GSM (Shiraz Grenache Mourvedre)

A legend, that is the only right word for the remarkable winemaker Geoff Merrill. The vineyards can be found not far from Adelaide in McLaren Vale where a ridge and a cool sea breeze provide some cooling. Geoff has special ideas of his own: he does not make his wines for the short term but for the long term. He also does not shy away from wood aging, as long as the wines can handle it. Also very remarkable is that Geoff first lets his wines come to drink before they appear on the market. For example, the reserve wines are only available 6 years after the harvest and the estate wines 3 years after the harvest. This is partly possible due to the presence of fine acids that give the wine a rich fruit structure and benefit the complexity. The Reserve Shiraz has received the Jimmy Watson Memorial Trophy, the highest honor in Australia for a Shiraz.

The Geoff Merrill Bush Vine GSM is a typical Australian "SGM-blend" with a peppery aroma. As the name suggests, it is a blend of Shiraz Grenache & Mourvedre. In the nose aromas of blackberries, a bit of licorice tones and pepper. In the mouth a firm structure, round tannins and a long finish with spicy aromas.

Wine Reviews:

95 points – Sam Kim (Wine Orbit)

“ It's immediately appealing on the nose showing sweet berry, vanilla, smoked game, cedar and toasted spice aromas. The palate delivers excellent weight and roundness together with fleshy texture and silky tannins, finishing impressively long and expansive. Delectably appealing with seductive complexity. At its best: now to 2030.   5 stars ”

92 points - Andrew Graham (Oz Wine Review)

“I always like how Geoff Merrill's wines lob with a bit of bottle age. Aged and built to age. Here, it's a riff on a McLaren Vale GSM blend. The Shiraz dominance works too – chocolatey rich purple fruit, with Grenache adding the red fruit highlights. It's medium to full bodied, chunky, and ultimately fruit drenched. Old school heartiness rather than modern swish and polish, with surprising life for its age. Entirely solid wine. Best drinking: good now and for another decade if you want. But I'd drink in the next five.”

92 points - Ned Goodwin (Halliday Australian Wine Companion)

“52/42/6% shiraz/grenache/mourvèdre. This is drinking very well. Attractive Rhône-inspired aromas: sandalwood, smoked game and a porcini/bracken/bouillon note, earthy and shrouded in umami. Herbal tannins, gently ferrous, ply a straight path across the palate while molting shiraz's sweet tendencies, billowing in the background. But in all, solid value and very good drinking.”

FACT: In the Tab: Attachment you will find the official fact sheet of this beautiful wine. We will automatically send it to you when you order this wine. The wine is in our conditioned Wine Warehouse and if you come to pick up the wine you will also receive a nice discount. We are located almost next to the Rijksweg with plenty of parking. Click here for address.