2020 Alkina 'Old Quarter' GSM Red Blend Barossa Valley
Certified organic and biodynamic fruit.
An elegant, perfumed blend of Grenache, Shiraz and Mataro from the Old Quarter of the Alkina vineyard, planted in the 1950s. This is a pure expression of the character of the site that in 2020 shows the fruit intensity of the season overlaid on fresh, long and seamless tannins that coat the mouth.
James Suckling
This is a compacted and beautiful blend of shiraz, grenache and mataro with blue fruit, bark, and dried meat with some clove. It’s full and firm with polished and well integrated tannins.
Wine Advocate
Alkina is an impressive project in the Barossa, and I heartily recommend that you seek them out, if dirt and details are your desire. They are mine. Certified organic and biodynamic fruit, the 2020 Old Quarter GSM is composed of 60% Grenache, 20% Shiraz and 20% Mataro (Mourvédre). The Shiraz and Grenache components were treated the same as each other: handpicked, fermented separately with 100% whole bunches and wild ferment in concrete tulips. The Mataro was destemmed and fermented in an oak barrel (a big one). The components were then basket pressed and matured for 15 months in concrete egg, old oak and concrete tulip. A long introduction, I know, but fascinating don't you think? I haven't even touched on the soil types. In the glass, the wine is fragile, with very fine savory fruit underpinned by powdery tannins. The endurance of pristine flavor in the mouth tells us about the quality of the fruit resource. Impressive to the max. Wine for grownups—it's intellectual.