2004 Kaesler Avignon Grenache Shiraz Mataro

Produced from a blend of 50% Grenache, 30% Shiraz & 20% Mataro. The Grenache & Mataro components were sourced from 70 year old vineyards with the Shiraz coming from a combination of 43 & 105 year old vines. According to winemaker Reid Bosward, the Grenache yields for the 2004 vintage were higher than normal, therefore to ensure palate intensity and structure, a higher than normal percentage of Mataro was used in the blend. As a result this is the most Mataro and the least Grenache ever used for the Avignon blend. The wine was matured in older oak (over 5 years old) and each component was matured as individual vineyard parcels then blended. The wine was bottled without fining or filtration.

Magnificent, opaque black purple colour with purple hue. The nose is filled with ripe notes of raspberry, blackberry, chocolate and spice followed by a hint of liquorice. The palate reflects the nose, with rich ripe, mouthfilling flavours of spice, liquorice, white pepper, blackberry and raspberry. Excellent palate weight and depth. Fine grained soft tannins, perfectly balanced. Very long aftertaste of cherry, raspberry and blackberry. A top example of the blend.
Cellar 3-4 years (2008-2009)
Alc/Vol: 15.5%

Other Reviews...
A blend of 50% Grenache, 30% Shiraz, and 20% Mourvedre aged 12 months in used French and American oak, the 2004 GSM Avignon is essentially the Reserve version of the Stonehorse. Living up to its name, it offers a peppery garrigue and kirsch liqueur-scented bouquet that is a dead-ringer for Chateauneuf du Pape. Big, spicy, and earthy, with sweet tannin, it smells like a Provencal open-air market. Enjoy this opulent, round, complex, tasty Australian red over the next 5-7 years.
92 Points
Robert Parker – The Wine Advocate # 161 (Oct 2005)