2010 The Steading

64% Grenache, 18% Shiraz, 18% Mataro/Mourvedre – old bushvines that survived the vine pull scheme of the 1980s. Healthy shaded ruby. Very sweet palate attack – almost on the way to comforting tawny port! But then it is quite fresh enough on the finish. Really very well assembled. From blocks all over the valley and aged in old hogsheads for two years before being bottled without fining or filtration. Essence of Barossa. Just the right side of syrupy. Great stuff for a cold winter's night in London. Not sure about how it would strike me in Barossa. Some treacle. Needs careful food matching though. Probably something meaty/gamey best. It did nothing for my fresh vegy supper. (JR)

(63% grenache, 19% shiraz and 18% mataro): Brilliant ruby-red. Displays powerful smoke- and spice-accented aromas of dark berries, cherry-cola and violet, with a suave vanilla quality in the background. Smooth and expansive on the palate, offering sweet blackberry and boysenberry flavors, a touch of smokiness and building floral character. Shows excellent focus and vivacity on the finish, which is framed by smooth, harmonious tannins. As accessible as this wine is now, my experience suggests that it will be even better with another three to five years of bottle age.

Medium to deep garnet in color with a touch of purple, the 2010 The Steading is a Grenache, Shiraz and Mataro (Mourvedre) blend that radiates a gorgeous nose of dried mulberries, kirsch and red currant jelly enhanced by a baking spice undercurrent. Full-bodied, rich and concentrated on the palate, it has a medium to firm level of velvety tannins and enough acid to give lift through the long finish. Drink it now to 2022+. Importer by Wine Creek, LLC., Healdsburg, CA.