Country: Australia
Region: Barossa Valley
Vintage: 2023
Variety: Grenache & Grenache Blends
Alcohol volume: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap

Dave Brookes
94 Points
This year's Johann's Garden release see a blend of 60/40% grenache/mataro from the Barossa Valley, matured in seasoned oak for seven months. Ripe wild strawberry, red cherry and raspberry fruit tones are underlined by hints of five-spice, ginger cake, mocha, violets, charcuterie, cold tea and earth. Quite spacious and detailed in '23 with a ginger-spice flick to the red and dark fruits. Finishes savoury and persistent.

Ray Jordan
94 Points
A medium bodied blend that represents both the slightly cooler vintage and the input from the old dry-grown vines from this vineyard. Bright red fruits on the nose with a cranberry and light raspberry character augmented by a slightly dusty thread. Seamless integration of tannin and 100% seasoned oak adds support. A refined and bright wine that is drinking quite beautifully now. Make sure you decant this one.

Huon Hooke
92 Points
Deep-ish red with a tint of purple; the nose is black-peppery and sooty, charcoal and dark plum aromas. Full bodied and softly textured with a fruit-sweet core, ample smooth tannins, and medium persistence. Easy drinking but has the backbone to handle heartier foods. (60% grenache, 40% mataro, no shiraz this year).

Jeni Port
92 Points
With its deep black fruits, dark spices, earthiness and serious structure, Johann arrives with a real sense of serious intent. The cool, wet lead up to vintage ’23 saw good acid retention which can be noted in the wine’s structure, something which should help it age particularly well. The maker suggests 15-plus years from vintage. Barossa Valley Grenache (60%) and Mataro (40%) release some lovely ripe black cherry, dark plum fruits across the palate in tandem with dark spices, anise, juniper, crushed herbs, red earth and tantalising florals of violet and peppercorn. Fine tannins offer a seamless smooth run across the tongue. It’s a fully integrated wine, fruit-filled and beautifully spicy with Grenache-led cinnamon, clove and a dark earthiness.