This is typical of the Penfolds range, in that it really does need at least five years in the bottle to be ready for drinking, although tonight’s candidate was performing nicely at four years.
The GSM blend consists of Grenache, Shiraz and Mourvedre
Nigel recalled 2009 was a hot vintage which produced some powerful and rich wines.
He also noted that Mourvedre really balances out the tannins while the Shiraz and Grenache bring complexity and spice.
Overall, the most common word used during the tasting was ‘smooth’.
There was also much talk of raspberry, chocolate and spice.
We also formed the distinct impression that the elements of this wine were so nicely balanced and subtle that we imagined the wine being right at home in British Racing Green and politely tipping its cap at allcomers and bidding them politely with a, ‘jolly good’.
A good wine with plenty of legs left for cellaring.