Grosset Wines - , South Australia

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Grosset Gaia 2004

In 2004, the Grosset Gaia blend has returned to its more typical mix of varieties - (70%), (25%) and (5%) and is from Grosset's austere Gaia vineyard high on the slopes of a windswept hill in Clare.

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. Gaia 2004 This is a complex and elegant red blend that is opulently concentrated while remaining tightly knit showing remarkable balance, excellent depth and great length. While it can

be enjoyed on release as a three-year old red, it will be improved by short term Vineyard cellaring and gain further complexity with five years in the bottle - and may be cellared

(in airconditioned comfort) for several more years. Previous Vintages

This is the fifteenth vintage of Grosset Gaia, released after sixteen months maturation in French oak (50% new) and twelve months in bottle. 2004 is an exceptional vintage from this tiny vineyard.

Review - Gaia 2004

James Halliday The Weekend Australian, Wine: From the Region, 13 October 2007

From the first vintage, in 1989, Grosset Gaia has stood apart from mainstream Clare Valley style thanks to its extra degree of finesse. This has been achieved without any diminution in flavour or varietal typicity; if this were not enough, it has also been a model of consistency in quality terms. (No surprise here, as it applies to all of Grosset's wines.) Bright and clear purple-red, the 2004 Gaia (94 Points, $53) is on the light end of medium-bodied. It is very fresh (only 13.5 per cent alcohol and, given Grosset's disdain of cork, sealed with a screwcap) and harmonious with fruit, oak and tannins precisely fashioned and balanced. It will live far longer than one may imagine, most probably showing no hint of tiredness before 2030, which is no reason not to open a bottle tonight.

James Halliday

http://www.grosset.com.au/vintages_gaia04.htm (1/2)2008/07/10 12:47:25 Grosset Wines - Clare Valley, South Australia

Australian Wine Companion (2008 Edition) (Five glasses) 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.

Ralph Kyte-Powell The Age, Melbourne: Epicure Magazine Wine of the Week - 27 March 2007 ***** 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

Josh Raynolds (USA) New Releases from Australia - September 2007 A Bordeaux blend based on 70% cabernet sauvignon. Dark red. Explosively perfumed nose features an exotic arrray of black and blue fruits, baking spices, sassafras and mocha. Soft and broad, with gentle, sweet blackberry and blueberry flavors brightened by cinnamon and deepened by bitter chocolate. Finishes with excellent clarity and a lingering flavor of sweet dark berries. The most seductive vintage of this bottling I've yet encountered.

Campbell Mattinson The Wine Front (February 2007) www.winefront.com.au 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 years time. Drink: 2007-2017. 93 POINTS

Jane Faulkner The Age, Melbourne: Epicure Magazine (April 2007) What is there not to love about this beautifully balanced Bordeaux-style wine? It's very aromatic with vibrant, intense fruit - rich cassis and mulberry notes encased in cedary, sweetish vanillin oak tempered by some spicy, white pepper notes. Just great. Builds on the palate with firm yet ripe tannins, excellent structure and plenty of length. Fabulous and the finest Gaia's to date

© 2005 Grosset Home Wines

http://www.grosset.com.au/vintages_gaia04.htm (2/2)2008/07/10 12:47:25