|
NOTES
'Gaia is one of the most astonishing vineyards you'll see. Planted at 570 metres, at the highest point of the Clare Valley, the vineyard is an elongated triangular wedge of emerald green that sits above the rolling golden cornfields of the Clare Valley. Named after James Lovelock's books, Gaia is a metaphor for the importance of the diversity and complexity of species.
TASTING NOTES
In 2004, the Grosset Gaia blend has returned to its more typical mix of varieties - Cabernet sauvignon (70%), Cabernet Franc (25%) and Merlot (5%). This is likely to be a great Gaia and shows wonderful immediacy while having the tight structure, complexity and fine ripe tannins to ensure that it ages extremely well. There's more heady wild plum fragrances that signal an approachability that Gaia rarely shows as well as lively, persistent blackcurrant and dark plum flavours with some savoury, earthy notes.
OTHER REVIEWS
"Jeremy Oliver - The Australian Wine Annual 2007'
A ripe and profoundly structured cabernet blend whose depth of fruit and measured balance should set it up for at least a decade's cellaring. Dark, rip and juicy, its deep, earthy aromas of dark plums, cassis and red berries are backed by ceddar/chocolate oak with smoky undertones. Tightly wound about a firm, powdery spine of astringent tannin, its assertive and drying palate of rich plum and berry flavour reveals undertones of mint and dried herbs. A well measured warm-year wine. 93Points - Drink to 2015+
"James Halliday Australian Wine Companion (2008 Edition)"
Excellent, bright purple-red; in typical fashion, medium-bodied - even light to medium-bodied - but very fresh and harmonious, with fruit, oak and tannins precisely fashioned and balanced. Will live far longer than one might imagine. Cabernet Sauvignon/Cabernet Franc/Merlot. Screwcap. 13.5% alcohol. Rating 94 - Drink to 2029.
The Age, Melbourne: Epicure Magazine
Wine of the Week - 27 March 2007
Ralph Kyte-Powell (*****)
As one would expect of a meticulous winemaker such as Jeff Grosset, Gaia is one of the Clare Valley's more elegant Cabernet blends. It boasts slightly lower levels of alcohol and extract compared to many of its peers but it excels in finesse.The 2004 Gaia, a blend of cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc and merlot is possibly the best Gaia yet. It is the essence of the style, with typically austere, aromatic blackcurrant, cedar and savoury briary notes on the nose and palete. The refined flavour is backed by superb structure and great persistence. It's a wine of real breeding that ideally needs years in the cellar but it's lovely purity makes it a
more-ish thing to sip right now.
Ageing: 2-12 years
Food Ideas: Roast Lamb
Campbell Mattinson The Wine Front
www.winefront.com.au
February 2007
This is a real cabernet blend. It's not loaded up with oak, it's 100% true to its varietal make-up, it's leafy and dusty and curranty, and it finishes with lots of refreshing welcome acidity. It's made up of 70% cabernet sauvignon, 25% cabernet franc and 5% merlot, and all that earthy, dusty, mulberried flavour is a beautiful flow on from the structured, berried boldness of the cabernet. Tannins are there, but soft and maleable. It is drinking very well now, and will drink beautifully in 5-8 year's time. Drink: 2007-2017. 93 POINTS
|
