2010 Gemtree Uncut Shiraz

Rich, Velvety textured and mouthfilling McLaren Vale Shiraz.
Established in 1980 by Paul and Jill Buttery with the purchase of a vineyard on Tatachilla Road in the heart of McLaren Vale, initially the venture’s focus was solely on grape growing and selling their fruit to more established brands. However, in 1998 they decided to establish their own label – Gemtree Vineyards, after son (Andrew) and daughter (Melissa) joined the team. Today Gemtree vineyards are well established and consistently produce great value wines. The vineyards are farmed using biodynamic practices and are now fully certified organic. Andrew Buttery is general manager with Melissa in charge of viticulture and her husband Mike Brown, winemaker. The 2010 vintage continues a remarkable decade of harvests in McLaren Vale, joining 2002, 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2008 as an almost perfect growing season producing a wine of great concentration and flavour. Fermentation occurs naturally in open fermenters, pressing off skins once the fermentation is completed, which may take up to 20 days. Ageing occurs in 100% French oak barrels ranging in size from puncheons (500L) to barriques (225L) for 16 months maturation. No racking occurred in this time, so the wine has been aged on its lees, allowing sulphur additions to be kept to a minimum and the true character of the wine to blossom. Tasting note... .
Totally opaque black crimson red colour with very deep black crimson hue. The nose displays scents of ripe blackberry and liquorice followed by some confectionary and a touch of spice. The palate excels, surpassing the expectations of a wine at this price point, delivering opulent rich ripe fruit all beautifully wrapped up in a velvety texture. Mouthfilling flavours of plush ripe blackberry and liquorice fruits are followed by some plum and confectionary with a spicy back palate. Silky smooth tannin structure with long blackberry, liquorice and spice aftertaste.
Drink over the next 3-4 years (2012-2016)
Alc 14.5% Other Reviews…..
Deep, dense purple-crimson; this is a notably intense and complex shiraz from the start of the bouquet through to the finish and aftertaste; spice, licorice, blackberry, blood plum and dark chocolate powder all have their say while leaving space and air, giving the wine finesse and elegance.
14.5% alcohol.
95 Points
James Halliday’s Wine Companion Magazine - April/May 2012