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2017 Sons of Eden Kennedy Grenache Shiraz Mourvedre

Barossa Valley, South Australia, AUSTRALIA
$21. 99
Bottle
$263.88 Dozen
Cellar: Drink now - 6 Years (2019-2025)
ABV: 14.5%
Closure: Stelvin

Named as a tribute to the legendary Barossa Vigneron’s who pioneered the planting of the old treasured vineyards, the Grenache fruit is the ‘soul’ of this blend and is predominately sourced from an exceptionally low yielding 60+ year-old Light Pass Vineyard. It was originally planted by the Kennedy Family, with ownership eventually being passed onto the charismatic Leo ‘Joe’ KENNEDY who nurtured the vines for many years, selling his prized fruit to local winemakers.

Rich, juicy, focused and expansive, this is clearly one of the best GSM’s going around.

A blend of 48% Grenache, 32% Shiraz and 30% Mourvedre matured in seasoned oak hogsheads and puncheons for 16 months. Opaque black dark red core with a bright dark red hue. An alluring aromatic profile of spicy black raspberries, liquorice and ripe dark to black cherries fills the nostrils with subtle incense, light scorched earth, fresh herbs and pepper chiming in for added complexity. Rich, sleek and powerful, delicious dark to black fruit flavours of raspberry, plum, cherry and liquorice make a grand entrance gliding effortlessly across a medium to full bodied palate that shows great concentration. Very expansive finish with elements of incense, fresh herbs, a faint meatiness and spicy pepper chiming in. Perfectly judged acidity provides just the right amount of freshness and silky smooth tannins only enhance the wines plush feel. Magnificent length with a long harmonious aftertaste.
Drink over the next 5-6 years.
Alc. 14.5%

Other Reviews....
As my colleague Walsh has noted, you can count on Kennedy. I tasted through a range of Sons of Eden current/new releases recently and this wine stood out. I tasted them without knowing the asking prices and so I was surprised/delighted to find that this was also about the most affordable of them. Some days you have a win. What I like about this is that it’s both robust and svelte. It tastes of blackberry, kirsch, anise and dark leather and at every point along the flow of the palate it feels convincing. Drink 2019-2028.
94 points
Campbell Mattinson - The Wine Front