Laughing Jack ‘Jack’s GSM’ 2022

“Appearance:  Medium ruby core with bright crimson rim.

Aroma:  Wild cherry and raspberry fight for attention with earth aromas. Although the fragrant primary fruits are evident, there is also plenty of underlying mixed spice. There are also truffle notes synonymous with the Grenache fruit from Moppa along with some florals and hints of pepper.

Palate:  Medium bodied. Plenty of fruit and spice flow onto the silky palate, along with those classic earthy flavours. Superb drinkability now, soft palate and acidity, the tannins are velvety and help to support the fruit and acid on the finish.

Region:  100% Barossa Valley
Sub Region:  76% Moppa Hill & 24% Greenock Vineyards
Bottled:  Unfined & unfiltered on 01/12/2023
Production:   425 dozen
pH: 3.45
Total Acid:  5.41 g/L
Alcohol:  14.5%
Maturation:  18 months in seasoned French oak Puncheons
Cellaring Potential:  8-10 years with careful cellaring
Winemaker:  Shawn Kalleske”
Laughing Jack

“This is a slice of great-value Barossa soul from the quiet achiever. Shawn Kalleske lives and breathes his vineyards and has almost 30 vintages under his belt at his Laughing Jack estate. His weathered hands tell the tale of each tour of duty, and his rare work ethic shows in the quality of his wines. 

Laughing Jack’s GSM is drawn from the estate’s immaculately grown Moppa Hill and Greenock vineyards. Planted in 1962, the Moppa Hill site has ancient sandy soils with old vines deeply anchored in the reddish-orange clays far beneath. The Greenock property has deep red soils. Both sites are own-rooted, low-yielding and managed sustainably using organic principles.

The 2022 blend chimes in at 66% Grenache, 24% Shiraz and 10% dry-grown Moppa Mourvèdre. The fruit is picked by hand, destemmed and ferments as whole berries in small open-top fermenters. The wine then matures in seasoned French oak puncheons for 18 months. There’s a heightened purity to Kalleske’s wine these days. The 2022 is bright and vibrant with pure fruit flavours, heady spice and seductive texture. Kalleske should probably be asking a little more for this wine.”
Bibendum