TeAro Estate "Two Charlies" Barossa Valley GSM 2010

TeAro Estate is a small Barossa Valley winery which is operated by 3rd and 4th generation family vignerons after being established in 1919. TeAro translates to "Happy home" inspired by a family relative who had family connections with New Zealand.

I'm a big fan of the small operators and this place fits the mould perfectly. A hands on winery with tradition and history adding to the goodness that comes out of the bottle.

This wine is named in honour of the "Two Charlies" who were Great Grandfathers and the pioneers of the winery. I discovered this picture of Charlie Fromm which gives you a picture of the history - I love it!

Grenache for this wine is dry grown and the percentages in the Grenache Shiraz Mourvedre blend are 65, 30 & 5 respectively.

There is a bright appearance in the glass which can be put down to the high percentage of Grenache in the blend, with a most intriguing nose of blackberry, earth, raspberries, dark cherry, leather, and native floral all wrapped a neat spice parcel.

These characters flowed neatly onto the palate. On occasion, spice sometimes steals the show in the GSM blend, but not in this case. So much so it sits nicely without dominating allowing the earthy, fruit and savoury characters to take the limelight.

Pleasing length and a fine grip finish off a wine which is very approachable now and will only get better in the medium term. Only 293 cases made and great value for $22. Claim some before it is too late!

Who: TeAro Estate http://www.tearoestate.com/
What: GSM (14.5%abv)
Where: Barossa Valley
When: 2010
How: $22

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