2024 Elderton Estate Family Grenache Shiraz Mourvedre, Barossa Valley

The 2024 Barossa GSM is inky and concentrated initially, but once you look inside—inspect the tannins—the wine has a wonderful capaciousness about it. The tannins are fine but structuring, and the balance of the varieties is such that it is difficult to unpick where one ends and another begins. The Grenache component comprises more than half of the blend (64%), and this makes a strong statement on the wine. It's an excellent wine. The wines at Elderton are moving from strength to strength in recent vintages; they are fresher and more detailed than ever before, yet they have sacrificed none of the power or concentration that has made them famous. It's impressive. 14.5% alcohol, sealed under screw cap. Drink 2025-2034.

94 points Erin Larkin, Robert Parker September 2025

Blends like this are where the Barossa really tells its story, and Elderton has long understood how to let each variety play its part without losing the harmony of the whole. The Ashmead family, working from their historic Nuriootpa estate, draw on old vine Grenache and Shiraz along with Mourvedre that thrives in the Barossa warmth, all rooted in those deep red soils that give both richness and structure. It is a style with heritage, echoing the traditional GSM blends of the southern Rhône, but with that unmistakable Barossa generosity.

Bright red cherry and raspberry from the Grenache lead the way, followed by the darker plum and spice of Shiraz, while Mourvedre brings a savoury edge of dried herbs, earth and a faint gamey note. There is a lovely lift to the fruit, making it feel energetic rather than heavy, with soft, supple tannins and a gentle thread of spice carrying through the finish. It is layered without being overworked, the kind of wine that feels effortless but clearly has depth.

Drinking beautifully now, especially with a light chill, though it will comfortably evolve over the next five to seven years as those savoury elements come further into focus. It sits in that versatile space where it can handle a range of occasions without ever feeling out of place.

Think lamb kofta with yoghurt and herbs, grilled chorizo with smoked paprika, or even a slow roasted vegetable dish with plenty of spice and char. This is the sort of bottle that belongs on a busy table, shared among friends with plenty of food and no rush to finish.