I had an interesting discussion with Kym Teusner this year on blends and the history of the Joshua and the Avatar. Both were first made in 2002, a couple of years before the juggernaut of the Riebke Shiraz “came and got in the way” [said with a wry chuckle]. Kym and Michael Page love their blends and they worked hard to get them established early on. It’s paid off big time. I also asked whether the use of a moniker without reference to varieties was a conscious choice? “Our distributors get into us every day about it, but yeah it was a conscious decision. Put the word Grenache on something and it instantly becomes hard to get people to taste it.” In time the Australian wine scene will be grateful for the hard-nosed approach taken.
And now to undo all their work I’ll let you know it’s a blend of 40% Grenache, 30% Shiraz and 30% Mataro that spends about ten months in French and American oak – savoury oak it is too, adding structure, texture and a mocha character to the back-palate. Wonderfully aromatic. Lavender, cherries, raspberries, anise, dried orange peel, ferrous earth and chocolate coated ginger. The architecture is stunning. Cranberry accented acidity and ripe, graphite/mineral tannin. It moves from entry to exit without any interruption and the extension is remarkable. Has juicy fruit flavours but it’s ultimately a savoury wine. The Mataro’s Asian spice character lingers as an aftertaste. Terrific now and has the potential to be even more special in the years to come. 95+ Excellent – Exceptional
Region: Barossa Valley
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Price: $35
Tasted: March 2013
A terrific wine for sure. But what shoes to match with it?
I’m thinking – given the quality of the vintage – some R.M.Williams are in order. Let’s lash out on the ‘Suede Craftsmen’ http://www.rmwilliams.com.au/e-SalesB2CProd/esa/ItemDetails.jsp?@where.ItemID@EQ=BX543SFWC&sessionkey=KO6Y-NFT7-2AVZ-W56N-M0X3-VK7U-MIPU-GH35
That’s a nice boot. I’m thinking more of a lace-up model for this wine. More contemporary and approachable : http://www.rmwilliams.com.au/e-SalesB2CProd/esa/ItemDetails.jsp?@where.ItemID@EQ=BS374CFWE&sessionkey=R9WT-LVU2-QLWB-JAJR-X44L-FAJT-CHHM-CC4E
I think this needs to be decided by a “walk off” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=InIxKCa3H9g
This is beautiful. And a bargain. It has been a great drop nearly every year (2006 was a favourite) but this is altogether on a different level. Need to get more but have to drink down the cellar of all the overwrought stuff I bought when I first started collecting!
And you’re not alone regarding early purchases
2006 my other favourite vintage of this wine too. Think it might be the same with Kym too, can’t quite recall…
2006 was a stellar vintage, no doubt. I’ve bought up heavily on 2012 after one sniff, but the real surprise to me this year was how settled and comfortable in its boots is the 2010 vintage too.
by golly i do love my Avatar!
I didn’t put any of the 2010 aside unfortunately. Made sure I have a few 2012s though.
Not sure why I did not go longer on the ’10 JP.
Only nabbed three, and wish I’d gone longer.
Soon, the amount of ’12s that are mounting in cellar will cause problems. Good problems though.
Yes I went long on the 2012 after one taste.
Also have a half dozen 2010 stored so pleased to hear your comments.
Luckily too the flavour profile of this wine has matured in tandem with my palate so I have not lost interest as I have in so many other reds I fancied 5 years ago.