Half Grenache with the balance of Shiraz and Mourvedre, grown to some fantastic old vine stock, most are a century of age, treated to a spell in well seasoned barrels. The oak influence is minimal, serving to complex and mature the wine rather than to impart flavour. So marked must be the profile of fruit to make the cut for Avatar, that initial classification of the components takes place immediately after vintage. Well balanced and round, a wine of earthy, savoury complexity, displaying ripe fleshy fruits, bramble and licorice spice.
The operations at Teusner are focused on exceptional wines, by being very selective about the quality of grapes, grown to old, well maintained vineyards. The sources are predominantly family and close friends. Parcels that are recognized for their suitability to barrel age are held back, as individual components, for a year before assembling. Grenache and Mataro are picked off some stately old vineyards in Ebenezer. Shiraz hails from younger but mature vines at Williamstown. Components are treated to several days of cold soak, followed by ferments peaking at 28°C. Upon completion, batches are filled to a selection of seasoned oak puncheons and hogsheads for a year's maturation.
Scarlet red, darker robes. Aromas of deep set plum and dark berry fruits leap from the glass, Asian spice, roasted meats and earth, licorice and dark chocolate. The palate displays excellent texture with ripe plum and blackberry fruit, five spice, mocha chocolate and licorice. The generous, supple fruit flows over to a prolonged finish, clean and well balanced, with ripe, fine grained tannins over a seam of bright acidity.
