2023 Teusner Avatar Grenache Mataro Shiraz, Barossa Valley

60/30/10% grenache/mataro/shiraz from the parishes of Ebenezer, Moppa, Seppeltsfield, Williamstown and Tanunda. The Avatar is always a firm favourite and the 2023 version does not disappoint. Medium bodied, pure plummy fruits, dredged with spice, citrus blossom top-notes, earth, gingerbread and a touch of sarsaparilla in the background. Ditto on the palate! Balanced, fine, gentle, pillowy tannins and a whole lot of drinkability.

94 points Dave Brookes winecompanion.com.au

Vines almost 100 years old, matured in used puncheons and hogsheads for 16 months. Retains both crimson hue and depth, the shiraz, despite being only a quarter of the blend, has a significant impact, both in terms of dark/ black fruit flavour and firmer structure, but at the end of the day, it’s the heady perfume and juicy red fruits of the grenache and mataro that make this glorious wine what it is.

Teusner Avatar Grenache Shiraz Mataro from Barossa Valley is a bold yet refined blend that epitomizes the rich winemaking tradition of this iconic Australian wine region. Teusner, known for its dedication to preserving Barossa’s old-vine heritage, crafts the Avatar blend using old-vine Grenache, Shiraz, and Mataro (Mourvèdre). This combination results in a wine that showcases the best of Barossa’s diverse terroir, offering power, complexity, and balance.

The Grenache in Avatar provides a vibrant core of red fruits—think raspberry and cherry—while the Shiraz adds depth, dark fruits, and a touch of spice. The Mataro component brings a savory, earthy character, with hints of dried herbs and leather, giving the wine a more structured and layered profile. On the nose, expect ripe red berries, dark plum, and a subtle touch of vanilla and oak. On the palate, the wine is plush and full-bodied, with flavors of blackberries, cherries, and a touch of peppery spice, balanced by smooth tannins and a lingering, satisfying finish.

This Grenache Shiraz Mataro blend pairs wonderfully with a variety of robust dishes, including grilled meats, barbecued lamb, and hearty stews. Its bold yet balanced nature also makes it a great candidate for cellaring, allowing the wine’s complexity to develop further over time.