Envoy GSM 2005
The Colonial Estate
Barossa Valley, South Australia
50% Grenache
30% Shiraz
20% Mourvèdre
The traditional mix from the Southern Rhone excels in the Barossa Valley – the home in Australia of old bush-vine Grenache and Mourvèdre. Handpicked before being transported to the winery in shallow trays, the grapes are double-sorted before vinification. The wine is aged for a year in French oak barrels.
Selected blocks of single-wire trellis vines from Marananga and Stockwell in the Barossa Valley were blended for this wine. Viticultural techniques included minimal irrigation, low cropping and canopy management to maximise fruit maturation under optimum conditions. When judged flavour-ripe the grapes were handpicked into shallow trays.
Each block is vinified separately in order to optimise its individual characteristics. On arrival at the winery the grapes are sorted pre- and post-destemming (double triage) and crushed on entry into the vats. After a short pre-fermentation period of maceration in which colour and fresh fruit aromas are extracted, the fermentation is started. The wine is rotation pumped during primary fermentation and also during the maceration period, which may be up to 3 weeks, after which the wine is run-off into French barrels.
The wine then spends 12 months on average in a blend of new, one and two year old French oak casks.
Deep, rich purple colour. A complex plummy nose with hints of spice, mint, chocolate and a touch of cedar. Excellent weight with big soft, rich tannins underpinned by subtle touch of oak.
. 93, Robert Parker
The 2005 Envoy GSM reveals a similar style, but exhibits more intensity and precision as well as sweeter fruit than the 2004. This beauty should drink well for 7-8 years. Drink 2006-2014.
92, Wine Spectator
Supple and seductive, this brims with lovely pomegranate-tinged red cherry and spice flavors, hinting at clove and tobacco as the finish lingers. A graceful red that feels airborne on the finish, with pizzazz to go along with its refinement. Grenache, Shiraz and Mourvèdre.
90, Stephen Tanzer
Dark purple. Fresh dark berry aromas deepen with air, developing a ripe, smoky bouquet. Dense and ripe on the palate, showing brooding bitter cherry and blackcurrant flavors and chunky tannins. Gains an exotic floral pastille quality on the long, spicy finish.
