72% Shiraz, 22% Grenache, 6% Touriga. The Shiraz fruit for this wine is primarily from elevated, well-drained vineyard sites from the cooler southern and central sections of the Barossa Valley. The Grenache is sourced from low yielding west and north western areas of Gomersol and Greenock where the vines truly struggle to survive and therefore produce intensely flavoured low-yielding crops. This is an unoaked wine that is fermented in stainless steel tanks with yeast strains which are specially selected to highlight the fresh berry, floral, spicy, earthy aromas contributed by the Grenache and Touriga, and use the richness and pepper spice of the Shiraz to build up palate weight and structure. Winemaker ~ Toby Barlow at St Hallett.
Rustic and warming aroma, with a little eucalyptus. Dark, plummy and with some eucalyptus in the mouth. Juicy fruit. Good house wine and worth stocking up on when reduced, as it often is.
New vintage, available now, 504 stores, screw cap 13.5%
14/10/2009

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mel

I see that this is in Waitrose current line of offers down to £5.69

Enjoyed this in the past when I've picked up a few bottles.

Dunc, would be interested to see what you think of this having never tried it before and it being a Rhone(ish) blend.

Cheers Shez, dont forget I've been trying to dodge too much "eucalyptus in the mouth" from down under. Will try if I'm passing.

Do Luv judicious use of French Oak - repeat after Me. I must write up the 2001 CNdP on Saturday - goes into my dozen this year, and was in Jancis's top 30 last November. For trad France rouge, She is so spot on for me.

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Duncan

I didn't previously come across much eucalyptus from this stuff (Altho Mel has the much more discerning palete).
No oak here (Altho I am with you with preference on the use of French oak)
Juicy berry goodness tho. Not too disimilar from the Bonpas - would like to try them side by side to see how they compare

Might try and get my hands on some poachers blend while its on the cheap altho more likely to hold out until the offer comes round again in a few months time