Teusner Joshua 2023 GSM Review – Bright Fruit, No Oak, All Charm
Teusner’s Joshua is a cult-favourite GSM that skips oak entirely to spotlight the character of its fruit. In a region known for power, this wine stands out by leaning into freshness and texture, offering something brighter and more nuanced. It’s charming without being soft, structured without being heavy — a modern take on Barossa red.
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Vintage: |
2023 |
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Region: |
Barossa Valley, South Australia |
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Varietal: |
Grenache / Shiraz / Mataro (GSM blend) |
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ABV: |
14.7% |
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RRP: |
$37 AUD |
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Format: |
750mL |
Appearance
In the glass, Joshua reveals a brilliant ruby red with striking clarity and a translucent core. Its light colour and glowing edge signal freshness over weight, with a youthful energy confirmed by a halo of tight, persistent bubbles. This is a wine that looks alive.
Aroma / Nose
Fresh red berries lead the way: raspberry, redcurrant, and subtle cherry skin, with a quiet lift of dried rose or thyme in the background. There’s no jam or oak in sight — just clean, expressive fruit that feels like it was picked at the peak of ripeness and bottled at full vitality.
Palate / Taste
The palate carries a silky wave of blackberry and plum jam, but remains light in body and clean in texture. Alcohol makes its presence known, especially on the back of the throat, but stays controlled. The mouthfeel is engaging — smooth with a tactile edge, as if the wine is dusted across the gums. A slight tongue-tingle adds freshness without spritz.
Finish
The finish is quietly persistent, with dark fruit lingering on the palate and a warming trail in the chest. It doesn’t overstay or drop off abruptly. Instead, there’s a soft fade that leaves you considering the next sip.
Food Pairing
With aged cheddar, the fruit expression softens, letting the structure and tannins shine. The alcohol stays firm, but not aggressive. With lean beef, sweetness recedes further, yet the wine maintains a sense of freshness and shape. It’s easy to imagine this pairing beautifully with wagyu steak or wood-fired pizza — something with umami and a touch of richness to balance the fruit.
ATC Verdict: Is It Worth the Splurge?
Absolutely. Joshua walks a clever line. It’s bright and fruit-driven, but textural and layered enough to stay interesting. The absence of oak lets the fruit speak clearly, and the structure holds steady through both sipping and pairing. It’s a wine we’d buy again — especially for casual dinners, pizza nights, or alongside a good cut of wagyu.
Lively, textural, and refreshingly honest. A worthy bottle for weeknight indulgence or laid-back entertaining.
Editor’s Note
We opened this bottle on a quiet weeknight, looking for something unfussy but expressive — and Joshua delivered. This isn’t the Barossa at full throttle. It’s a reminder that structure and fruit can speak clearly without oak or heaviness. We tasted it over food and on its own, letting it reveal itself across the evening. This review reflects that experience.
–Adrian – Editor at All That Is Cool
Please drink responsibly.
All alcohol reviews on All That Is Cool are intended for audiences aged 18+. We support mindful, moderate consumption and only feature bottles we’ve personally tasted and evaluated.
