Sarl Du Grand Bourry Chevalier Delaude SGM 2022

The 60% Shiraz, 30% Grenache, 10% Mourvedre composition mirrors the classic GSM blends that have become synonymous with Australian winemaking, particularly in regions like the Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale. While the grape varieties are familiar, this French interpretation from Languedoc-Roussillon showcases the terroir-driven elegance and structural complexity that French winemaking is renowned for. The result is a wine that offers the bold, dark fruit character Australians love, but with the refined tannin structure and natural acidity that creates greater complexity and food-pairing versatility.

Receiving 95 points from three prestigious sources - the International Wine Challenge, Decanter World Wine Awards 2024, and respected critic Sam Kim - is exceptional for any wine, but particularly noteworthy for a 2022 vintage that's still relatively young. This consensus among critics suggests the wine demonstrates remarkable quality and potential for further development. Such high scores typically indicate a wine that not only delivers immediate drinking pleasure but also possesses the structure and balance to reward cellaring, making it both an excellent current choice and a smart investment for future enjoyment.

The wine's rich blackberry and dark cherry fruit, combined with its velvety tannins and well-integrated oak, makes it ideal for robust dishes that can match its intensity. Classic pairings include grilled lamb with herbs de Provence, beef bourguignon, or aged hard cheeses like Roquefort - all reflecting its French heritage. The Mourvedre component adds earthy complexity that complements game meats, while the Shiraz backbone provides enough power to stand up to barbecued meats with bold spice rubs, bridging French elegance with more casual dining styles.

Languedoc-Roussillon's Mediterranean climate and diverse soils create ideal conditions for producing concentrated, full-bodied reds with excellent natural acidity. The region's warm days and cool nights allow the grapes to develop intense flavours while retaining the structural elements that give this wine its complexity. Unlike the more famous appellations of Bordeaux or Burgundy, Languedoc offers exceptional value while maintaining high quality standards, as evidenced by this wine's impressive critic scores. The region's winemaking traditions emphasise balance and terroir expression, resulting in wines that showcase both power and finesse.

While this wine is described as 'drinking beautifully' now, its excellent structure suggests it has significant cellaring potential. The 2022 vintage is still young, and the wine's velvety tannins, well-integrated oak, and natural acidity provide the framework for graceful ageing over the next 5-8 years. Currently, you'll enjoy its vibrant dark fruit and silky mouthfeel, but with time, the components will integrate further, developing more complex secondary flavours and a more seamless texture. The choice depends on your preference for youthful exuberance versus mature complexity.