Teusner Avatar Grenache Mataro Shiraz 2019

Drink now or cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant before serving.

The Ebeneezer region is located in the far north of the Barossa Valley and features fairly flat plains. It’s also home to some truly ancient vines which have been looked after by the Riebke family for six generations. In 2001 former Torbreck winemaker Kym Teusner and his brother-in-law Michael Page founded the Teusner winery which sources fruit from these venerable low-yielding vines. Their vision is to craft top quality yet affordable wines which showcase another side of the Barossa Valley.

The very first wine that the duo made in 2001 was an unoaked Grenache, Mataro and Shiraz blend which they named Joshua. It sold out so quickly that they decided to make another interpretation of the vintage which became known as Avatar and is fondly regarded as Joshua’s older brother. After vinification the young wine is aged in used oak for 12 months to add complexity and depth to the final cuvee.

The result is a punchy red which easily pulls its weight against the powerful 100% Shiraz wines of the Barossa Valley. It’s an intense and harmonious combination, with Grenache adding plenty of ripe fruit, Shiraz bringing darker, deeper berry notes and firm tannins, and Mataro adding a hint of earthiness. A great wine to cellar for a few more years or serve now alongside hearty beef stews and meaty pasta dishes.