2019 Geoff Merrill Bush Vine GSM (Shiraz Grenache Mourvedre)

A legend is the only word apt for the remarkable winemaker Geoff Merrill. His vineyards are located not far from Adelaide in McLaren Vale, where a ridge and a cool sea breeze provide some relief. Geoff has his own unique approach: he makes his wines not for the short term, but for the long term. He doesn't shy away from oak aging, as long as the wines can handle it. Also remarkable is that Geoff allows his wines to mature before releasing them. Reserve wines are only available six years after harvest, and estate wines three years after harvest. This is partly due to the presence of fine acidity, which gives the wine a rich fruit structure and enhances its complexity. The Reserve Shiraz has received the Jimmy Watson Memorial Trophy, the highest honor for a Shiraz in Australia.

The Geoff Merrill Bush Vine GSM is a typically Australian "SGM blend" with a peppery aroma. As the name suggests, it's a blend of Shiraz, Grenache, and Mourvedre. The nose reveals aromas of blackberry, a touch of licorice, and pepper. The palate offers a firm structure, rounded 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 mollifying shiraz's sweet tendencies, billowing in the background. But in all, solid value and very good drinking.”

FACT: In the tab: Attachment, you'll find the official fact sheet for this fine wine. We'll automatically send it to you when you order this wine. The wine is stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, and if you pick it up, you'll also receive a nice discount. We're located almost next to the Rijksweg with ample parking. Click here for the address.