2021 Teusner Righteous Grenache, Barossa Valley

A sprightly and fruit-pure, single-vineyard grenache that shows ripe plum and red berry fruits cut with gingery spice and hints of violets, roasting meats, sarsaparilla, earth and pressed flowers. Some nice exotic spice flows in on the palate, while furry, fine tannins support the fruit, and there is a rush of sour cherry on the exit, finishing fruit-pure and long. Drink to 2035.

95 points Dave Brookes for Halliday Wine Companion, June 2024

Deep ruby-red hue. Ripe blueberry, anise and poached rhubarb aromatics. Ripe core of fruit with black spices and a dark mineral undertone. Great length and it's well framed by judiciously built tannins. A powerful grenache that still carries the balance that this variety excels at. Will cellar well and sing with game meats. Drink to 2034.

95 points Stuart Knox for The Real Review, January 2024

Teusner Righteous Grenache from the Barossa Valley is a wine that’s all about personality and bold expression. The Barossa is known for its rich, full-bodied reds, but this Grenache brings a refreshing twist, showcasing the variety’s lighter, more vibrant side while still packing plenty of flavor. Teusner, a winery with a reputation for making wines that are both approachable and complex, has created a Grenache that hits all the right notes—juicy, spicy, and undeniably fun.

2021 was a slightly cooler season taht allowed for long and even ripening. This parcel of old vine Grenache was hand harvested from the Wilksch vineyard at Seppeltsfield. Fermentation in small open fermenters included a 20% whole cluster component for enhanced aromatics, added tannins and overall complexity. These were broken on day six, and the ferment pressed to stainless steel to finish primary fermentation, and racked to second fill French oak hogsheads for seven months to undergo malolactic and maturation. The wine was then racked off lees, blended, and  returned to third- and fourth-fill oak puncheons to soften for a further eight months prior to final blending and bottling.

This wine bursts with bright red fruit—think juicy strawberries, raspberries, and cherries—along with a hint of spice and a bit of black pepper. The nose is aromatic and inviting, with a subtle earthiness that adds depth to the fruit-forward profile. On the palate, it’s medium-bodied with smooth, velvety tannins that make it easy-drinking and approachable. The fruit flavors are fresh and vibrant, with juicy red berries taking the lead, while a touch of spice and a hint of chocolate add complexity.