Product Details

This exposed and extreme site in the upper reaches of Clare is characterised by Cabernet of concentration, varietal precision, structural confidence and grand longevity, and the cool 2022 season has only served to amplify all four dimensions. The depth and definition of crunchy blackcurrant and cassis fruit is monumental, and it is blessed with all the mineral-fine tannin, vibrant acidity and profound persistence to endure exceedingly long indeed. the essence of Cabernet, and of Gaia!

The blend in 2022 is 85/15% cabernet sauvignon/cabernet franc. A hauntingly beautiful rendition of Gaia that's svelte, even, succulent and impressive in persistence. There's immense concentration in its medium weight, compact frame, and tannins shimmer with emery board grip and drag stretching the wine out and tucking in the darker fruit, spice and herbal details. The perfume is rich in dark berries, black olive, mint and fennel with some woody spice overlay – lovely stuff here, too. The quality of tannin needs additional mention. This is such an impressive, elegant wine.

Today, I am tasting the 2021 and 2022 Gaia side by side, and what a pair of wines they make. The two vintages were not dissimilar, in that they were mild and long, and both are excellent; so, it is a privilege to see the results of those seasons here together. Aromatically, the 2022 Gaia is not as giving as the 2021, yet it is in possession of its own register of attributes: graphite and black tea, blackberry, dried mint, gravel and iodine, oyster shell, bitter chocolate and cocoa and tapenade. In the mouth, the wine has that seamless flow of the 2021, albeit with a firmer tannin profile. These are wines of effortless movement and shape, and the tannins in this vintage are almost certainly the highlight; they are pliable, ductile and ultra fine. A superb wine.

Very deep and very bright young red-purple colour, that stains the glass. There are fresh, youthful, almost raw aromas of raspberry, cassis, blackberry and briar, beautifully ripened, the palate very concentrated, dense and full-bodied but not over- the-top. It's powerful, concentrated and backed by a welter of firm tannins, but doesn't sacrifice its elegance. This is a tightly packed, dense and focused cabernet that deserves a decent term in the cellar. It's just a baby today. 11 FEB 2024

Blackcurrant, blackberry, maybe some redcurrant, a classic cigar box thing happening here, plus some violet and mint perfume. It’s medium-bodied, intense small berried dark fruit, aniseed, lovely crunch of acidity, tight fine-grained tannin, maybe some black olive and tobacco savoury things, and the finish is very long. It’s a wine of wonderful shape and control, and offers a compelling follow up to the superb 2021. And while it may be not quite as good, I’m happy to land on the same score. MAR24

Jeffrey Grosset may be best known as Australia's pre-eminent maker of fine rieslings, but he is certainly no one trick pony. The Grosset range of biodynamic wine excellence now comprises 11 wines, nine from the Clare Valley and two from the Piccadilly Valley (Adelaide Hills). If you are looking for a stylish red full of complexity and palate interest then this will fit the bill. A blend of 85% Clare Valley cabernet sauvignon and 15% cabernet franc, it is impeccably balanced – a thing of beauty. Taut still, but with classic briary/wild hedgerow characters, dark currant flavours and well-integrated French oak, this can be enjoyed right now as you admire its length and polish, or be cellared for a decade or two. Dinner party coming up? Buy a couple of bottles. Happy to give this one a cracking 97/100.