Tellurian, Heathcote (Victoria, Australia) “GSM” 2019 ($30, Marquee Selections)

The Heathcote region is a narrow, more continental climate among Victoria’s sub-regions, but has wide microclimate variation from north to south, featuring iron-rich basalt soils that reach back 650 million years. Tellurian leans toward fresh, bright style cues that contrast the usual heavier styles exported from the area. This GSM shows ripe strawberry, cherry, a medium-plus toast level, bright acidity and a silky mid palate texture. A lingering oak toast character works well with the fruit, and a zippy orange zest aspect adds lift. It’s not at all overdone, it’s quite approachable now, and will age nicely for 5 to 7 years. Contains 57% Grenache, 38% Syrah and 5% Mourvedre.
93 Rich Cook