2023 Bleasdale Wellington Road GSM, Langhorne Creek

Glorious GSM. Velvety and flavoursome with perfectly crafted tannin and the length to match. Red berries and blue, peppercorns and cedar, sweet spices and florals. Bass and treble, mid-tones and reverb. This is the goods.

96 points Special Value Campbell Mattinson winecompanion.com.au

Bleasdale Wellington Road GSM from Langhorne Creek is a beautifully crafted blend of Grenache, Shiraz, and Mourvèdre that delivers outstanding value while showcasing the depth and character of this historic wine region. Bleasdale, one of Australia’s oldest wineries, was founded in 1850 and remains family-run, consistently producing wines of exceptional quality. Under the guidance of chief winemaker Paul Hotker, Bleasdale has gained widespread acclaim, including being named Halliday Wine Companion’s Winery of the Year. Wellington Road GSM is a testament to the winery’s expertise, offering a smooth, fruit-forward, and well-structured take on this classic Rhône-inspired blend.

Deep ruby in color, this wine opens with aromas of ripe raspberry, dark plum, and black cherry, interwoven with notes of dried herbs, pepper, and subtle earthiness. The palate is medium to full-bodied, with juicy red and black fruit flavors balanced by fine tannins and fresh acidity. Shiraz adds richness and spice, Grenache contributes bright red fruit and floral lift, while Mourvèdre provides structure and a hint of gamey complexity. A touch of seasoned oak rounds out the wine, leading to a long, balanced finish with lingering notes of spice and dark chocolate.

Wellington Road GSM is a fantastic match for slow-cooked lamb, barbecued meats, or rustic Mediterranean dishes. Its supple tannins and vibrant fruit also make it a great partner for charcuterie, wood-fired pizza, or aged cheeses. Designed for immediate enjoyment, it also has the potential to evolve over the next 5–7 years, developing further complexity.

Bleasdale has been recognized with numerous awards for its wines, including multiple Halliday Wine Companion ratings above 95 points. Paul Hotker, named Halliday’s Winemaker of the Year in 2018, has played a key role in elevating Bleasdale’s reputation for producing some of the best value wines in Australia.