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Teusner Barossa Valley Avatar Grenache Shiraz Mataro

Kym Teusner considers Avatar his standout wine of an outstanding season. There’s a little more shiraz in the blend than usual this year, (30%), but grenache retains the lead (40%), with strong support from mataro (30%), all from vines averaging an incredible 90 years of age. The result is an incredible expression of red and black fruits of all kinds, with hints of mixed spice and orange rind, framed carefully in dark chocolate from seasoned French and American oak. It’s all delightfully composed, intricately interwoven with a mesh of finely structured, softly textured tannins, impeccably polished and ready to go. Wow, this is one of the great Avatars. $25 at WineStar.