2020 Gemtree Phantom Red Blend 11 Biodynamic, McLaren Vale

The 11th iteration of this blend, the components changing each year. This year, 51/49% mataro/grenache, from vines planted in 1998 and 1946 respectively. Medium bodied and savoury, with a scree of finely wrought tannins, well-applied oak and yet, the shrill acid quotient that is becoming the mark of theses wines. The fruit, sappy, lively and just ripe enough to confer freshness: maraschino cherry, tamarillo, hedgerow and redcurrant flavours scurry long. Again, such promise in store.

Ned Goodwin MW winecompanion.com.au

The Phantom is a harmonised chorus of McLaren Vale fruit; a red wine steeped in creativity and innovation where the varieties and blends will change each year. If you crave some intrigue and mystery, discover the x-factor of The Phantom.

Dark Brick Red A medley of sweet blackcurrant, red fruits, cinnamon and nutmeg, a hint of eucalyptus combined with a rich earthiness and seasoned creamy oak. This is not a traditional wine and it shows with an explosion of flavours in the mouth. At the front of the palate, the wine is rich and round, followed by fruit sweetness on the mid-palate. Integrated tannins balance out the back palate. The Mourvedre gives this wine its underlying dryness, tempered with the fruit sweetness of the Cabernet and juicy mid-palate from the Shiraz. The Grenache enhances the wonderful fragrance of this wine and completes the picture.