Raspberry and red plum aromas are sweet and ripe, but not in a cloying kind of way. Oak shadings on the palate give this GSMM (39% Grenache, 35% Shiraz, 24% Merlot and 2% Mataro) a nice texture. The mixed-berry flavors have a rustic quality to them that gives this wine the overall impression of an untamed field blend. A nice change of pace. 1,000 cases produced.
— D.T.
(8/1/2006)
A plump, soft Shiraz that shows hints of surmaturité in its stone-fruit aromas that edge toward raisin with extended airing. Pepper, licorice and blackberry flavors go down easily. Drink now.
— J.C.
(11/1/2007)
Loose End is a line of wines produced by former Penfolds viticulturist Rob Gibson to offer immediate accessibility. This slightly tarry, plummy offering meets that goal at a resonable price. A small Viognier addition provides aromatic lift and contributes to the creamy, supple mouthfeel.
— J.C.
(9/1/2009)
Nicely aromatic and complex, this blend of Grenache, Shiraz and Merlot is a cheery, unpretentious bistro red. Mint, anise and black cherry flavors all swirl together, unfettered by much oak. An easy-drinking wine, suitable for varied dishes.
— J.C.
(11/1/2007)
This uncomplicated quaff is a nontraditional GSM blend of 45% Grenache, 33% Shiraz and 20% Merlot, with just 2% Mataro. A second label of sorts from Rob Gibson, the emphasis is on red berries, with hints of chocolate and tobacco. Round and a bit warm, but finishing fresh and clean. Drink now.
— J.C.
(8/1/2009)
MSM stands for Merlot-Shiraz-Mataro, with Merlot accounting for 87% of the blend. It’s a full-bodied, oaky red wine with bubbles, so if that appeals to you, this wine will too, featuring toasted coconut and vanilla shadings over blackberry liqueur flavors.
— J.C.
(12/31/2006)
Has a very pretty pink-garnet color, and fragrant rose and brown sugar aromas. Indeed, this rose shows some sugar on the palate, too—not unwarranted, but certainly not totally dry. The floral quality persists on the palate, as does a hint of orange liqueur.
— D.T.
(11/15/2006)
Despite exceeding 1% residual sugar, this rosé only seems sweet on the finish. Otherwise, it delivers bright cherry fruit in a plump, mouth-filling wine, turning to slight stoniness on the finish. Imported by The Country Vintner.
— J.C.
(10/1/2009)