Grant Burge Abednego GSM 2018

Stuart McCloskey, February 2025 "A wine that is shaped by its vintage along with a delicate winemaker’s touch. The hot days have built wonderful ripeness juxtaposed by cool nights which adds layers of elegance, poise, and a new level of sophistication.  This is really something special… The bouquet takes its time to unfurl (decant for a few hours) and then enjoy the heady scents of black raspberry, salty plum, blueberry, iron, freshly roasted coffee beans, hedgerow fruits, violet, a dusting of cinnamon, vanilla pod and Mediterranean herbs. The palate feel is luxurious as the fruit, acidity and tannins are seamlessly stitched together. The sweet spicing is adorable. Texturally, this is akin to a great Pinot Noir (a substantial one) another indicator to the great vintage and cool nights. Moreover, this helps you to understand the pure silken feel as she glides across the palate. Flavours unfold to black and blue fruits, a touch of ripe fig, black tea, a dusting of white pepper and orange rind which lifts the freshness. The Yin and yang between the fruit and salty-savouriness infusion is simply beautiful. The purity is an experience all of its own. A magical wine that, and I am sorry to say, exceeded my expectations.  There’s enormous potential for cellaring – 10+ years however, I would advocate opening a few bottles early as it’s already a giver of much joy. Faultless. Served using Zalto Bordeaux stemware. I will try it later with the Burgundy stem…"