Reviewed: 22nd September 2013
I caught up briefly with winemaker Kim Teusner (pictured right) and viticulturalist Michael Page (left) to look through their range of wines to coincide with the release of the 2012 reds.
Teusner is a relatively new label, having released its first vintage of Joshua in 2002. Since then, the team has been able to secure access to several old vineyards, and are producing high quality wines in a variety of styles and price points.
For me, the highlight of the tasting was The Family shiraz. The fruit for this came from a single vineyard in the Stonewell sub-region of the Barossa and is chock full of Barossa goodness. Whist this only has limited availability, it is worth tracking down as it really delivers on the price/quality scale.
Reviewed:
Teusner – Riesling – 2012 (17.5). Typical Eden Valley style that is closed and restrained, with an oily minerality that adds interest. The palate has lemony fruit and is well balanced. While quite lean now, this has good mouth-feel and will fill out with a few years in the bottle.
Teusner – Sauvignon Blanc – Woodside – 2013 (17). Lifted sherbet and lemon aromas with a nice zesty lift. A balanced wine that avoids the pungency that some cool climate versions can get, yet retains a zesty freshness that defines the style.
Teusner – Shiraz – The Riebke – 2012 (17 – 17.5). Delicious, ripe, red fruits here. The palate is juicy, succulent and more-ish. There is little in the way of oak on show, which allows the cherry, plum and redcurrant fruit to shine. Now – 5 years.
Teusner – Shiraz – The Family – 2012 (18). Compared to the Riebke, this has more depth, intensity and power, with cedary oak in the background. The palate is structured, with some grip to close, courtesy of the oak and fruit tannins. There is real depth, intensity and length to the superb fruit. At $25, this is a bargain!
Teusner – GSM – Avatar – 2012. (N/A).
Teusner – Grenache/Mouvedre/Shiraz – Joshua – 2012 (18). Really fragrant and spicy on the nose (fennel and thyme), while the palate is silky and supple. This is deceptive as, whilst it is a lovely drink now, it has the power and structure to build and age with time. The fragrant grenache fruit is the main feature, while the mouvedre and shiraz add structure and a peppery lift.
Teusner – Shiraz – Righteous FG – 2010 (18.5+). Incredibly concentrated and essence-like. The nose is an amalgam of superbly dense fruit and quality oak. Despite being amazingly concentrated, the palate is supple and silky, with a degree of elegance on the finish. The tannins are very fine and the length prodigious. An amazing wine that is full of latent power. Will live long!