‘Shiraz might be the poster boy for the Barossa, but we believe blending it with grenache and mataro produces the best drinking wines from this region. Thanks to our good mates the Riebke brothers and other Barossa growers whose families have stuck by these varieties for 100 years or more, we’re privileged to have fruit from very old vines to make our GMS blends.

In 2002, our first vintage, we had two cracks at this blend, the Avatar take on it involving ageing the wine in seasoned (used) oak for 12 months. The exact blend might change each vintage, but the recipe doesn’t vary much – grenache (about 50%) for spice and bright red fruits, mataro (30%) for some savoury earthiness and depth, shiraz (20%) for plump plum and rich black fruit. The use of old oak ensures that it serves only as a seasoning to add complexity and savoury nuance. With vines this old, we want the fruit and earth to speak with the clearest voice.’ – Kym Teusner.

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