2023 Sons Of Eden Kennedy GSM, Barossa Valley

Sons of Eden Kennedy GSM is a benchmark expression of the Barossa Valley’s deep-rooted tradition of blending Grenache, Shiraz and Mourvèdre, but it’s far from ordinary. It’s a wine shaped by old vines, thoughtful winemaking, and a desire to balance power with finesse.

Named after John Kennedy, a local viticulturist whose Grenache vines form the foundation of this wine, the Kennedy GSM is both a tribute and a continuation of Barossa's small grower heritage. The fruit is sourced predominantly from the Light Pass subregion in the northern Barossa, where old bush vines dig deep into sandy loams and red-brown earth. Some parcels of Grenache and Mourvèdre are over 80 years old — gnarly, dry-grown vines that yield small berries with intense flavour and firm natural structure.

Sons of Eden is led by two highly experienced winemakers: Corey Ryan, who honed his craft at Henschke and Villa Maria, and viticulturist Simon Cowham, a former Barossa Grape and Wine Association viticulturist of the year. Together, they bring both technical mastery and a deep respect for terroir. Their philosophy is minimal intervention and maximal site expression. For Kennedy, each component is fermented separately in small open top fermenters. Some batches see whole bunches for added aromatic lift and complexity, particularly with Grenache. Indigenous yeasts and hand plunging are used to retain the personality of the fruit and vineyard.

After fermentation, the wine is pressed to seasoned French oak hogsheads (300L) and matured for 12 months. This choice of seasoned oak is deliberate — it shapes the texture without clouding the clarity of the blend. After maturation, the final blend is assembled with a typical composition of around 48 percent Grenache, 32 percent Shiraz, and 20 percent Mourvèdre, though this can vary slightly with vintage conditions.

In the glass, the Kennedy GSM is perfumed and generous, with lifted aromas of wild strawberry, redcurrant, rhubarb, clove, licorice, dried thyme and floral violets. Grenache leads the charge with red berry vibrancy and spice. Shiraz brings a sense of plushness and generosity. Mourvèdre folds in dark, earthy notes of smoked meat, black tea and bitter chocolate. The tannins are fine and grainy, providing grip without weight, and the acidity is surprisingly lively for a Barossa red, giving a food-friendly edge.

This is a wine that wears its Barossa pedigree with pride, but its elegance and restraint make it particularly compelling. It's approachable young, especially with a decant, but will age gracefully over 8 to 12 years, gaining savoury complexity as the Mourvèdre opens up.

Pair it with rosemary-crusted lamb shoulder, Moroccan-spiced eggplant, roast quail or aged manchego.