Consumers may not have caught on to the GSM wine category, but the time-honoured southern Rhone blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre is a spiritual beacon for Australian producers of the style.
This week try six wines from the Decanter panel tasting of Australian GSM blends. Our experts felt that these wines have shown the potential of Rhone-style blends in Australia-especially Barossa and McLaren Vale.
Sweet coconut oak on the nose with blackberry fruit richness on the palate. A satisfying style that packs a punch - ripe, tannic structure and long finish.
（Sold at online shops）
Notes of eucalypt and herb are followed by cassis and blueberry; a very pure, youthful bouquet. Meaty mid-palate brimming with young black fruits; warm and generous.
Fresh note to the aromas of black cherry, blackberry, which are supported by juicy-textured, ripe tannins and a lively fresh nip of fresh acidity. A vigorous wine that is well-balanced.
（Sold at online shops）
Hints of lavender, spice and cassis in the bouquet over red fruits. A firmly structured wine with lovely cassis depth and powerful dark fruits. Well balanced with lots of flavour and intensity.
（Sold at online shops）
Spice and herb aromas of Mourvedre, and a touch of black pepper from Syrah. Attractive charry toasty oak veneer over ripe, rich blackberry fruit infused with pepper and spice, coating the tongue with firm textured tannins. A big old bear made in an ultra-traditional vein.
（Chinese distributor information not yet available）
Attractively fresh and aromatic, very succulently textured blackberry fruits which are gently peppery and satisfying savoury in Rhone-like mould. With a rich plum and damson appeal and sinewy texture that's well-crafted in a distinctive expression of the blend.