2021 Nicks Secret VW McLaren Vale GSM

A rich, succulent GSM selling for a song.

A blend of 52% Grenache, 30% Shiraz and 18% Mourvedre with approximately 10% whole bunch inclusion and maturation in French oak hogsheads and barriques for a period of 9 months. Very deep black dark red colour with a dark red hue. Sailing out of the glass are enticing scents of dark raspberry, plum and liquorice followed by some ripe blueberry, provincial herb like notes, hints of scorched earth and peppered fennel. Rich, juicy and quite plump the palate features a delicious mix of dark raspberry, plum, ripe blueberry and liquorice fruits over scorched earth, herbs du Provence and subtle peppered fennel characters. Nicely concentrated it has polished tannins, shows ample flesh and possesses good underlying freshness. The long savoury conclusion succulent and lightly peppered.
Drink over the next 2-3 years.
Alc. 14%

Other Reviews…..
There’s a certain rustic charm about this Grenache, Shiraz and Mourvèdre blend, sourced from various McLaren Vale subregions. Perfumed rose petal and plummy slightly earthy characters on the nose. The palate then delivers with its medium bodied plush flavour combination. Juicy crunchy fruit flavours extend to a long pleasing finish. Drink 2024-2032.
94 Points
Ray Jordan – WinePilot.com

Not as ferrous or savoury as the magnificent 2020. Veritable value all the same. A multitude of sub-regional sources, Blewitt Springs and Clarendon amidst. A meld of partial carbonic, a dollop of whole bunches and extended time on skins (to 30 days) for the better fruit. The oak, used small format. Licorice, sweet kirsch, thyme and rosemary sprigs. A waft of eucalyptus, drying and terse, marks the finish. A final spurt of sweetness offers respite and strident length. Drink by 2028.
93 Points
Ned Goodwin – James Halliday’s Australian Wine Companion

Grenache (52%), shiraz (30%) and Mourvèdre sourced from a range of McLaren Vale vineyards in the Blewitt Springs, Seaview, Whites Valley and Clarendon sub-regions.
This delivers. It’s svelte, fluid and run with fruit, the latter cohesive and appealing. Flavours of violets, blueberries, raspberries and flashes of florals, thyme and spice – and a touch of red licorice too – all perform swimmingly. Pop and pour and you’re good to go; it’s drinking well now. Drink 2024-2028.
92 points
Campbell Mattinson – The Wine Front

Serve this in buckets! What a beauty! GSMs done well are cracking drinks and this release from **** Wines is worth bashing down the door for.
A delicious fusion of fruit, savoury delight and earthiness, this GSM is absolutely humming. Raspberries, baked blueberries and mulberries are the beating heart of this wine. There is a fabulous tempo and vibe about its carry as it moves and sways through the mouth with ease. The palate is blanketed by generous medium-bodied fruit with fine spices clinging to the edges and tingling long. An earthy undertow courtesy of the Mourvedre is measured and harmonious. Each part of the blend works in unison rather than seeking the limelight and that's precisely why I can't get enough of it. A clever wine that has been made and blended exceptionally well. Great stuff, and yes, bash the door down.
Drink to five years+
95 points
QwineReviews.com