Teusner Joshua 2023 GSM Review: Bright Fruit, No Oak, All Charm
Teusner’s Joshua is a cult-favourite GSM that deliberately skips oak to let the wine speak through its primary profile. In a region known for power, it moves in a different direction, leaning into freshness and texture rather than weight. It feels modern, but not forced, with a sense of energy balanced by enough structure to keep it grounded. This is Barossa seen through a lighter, more expressive lens.
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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: |
From $35 AUD |
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Format: |
750mL |
Appearance
In the glass, Joshua shows a brilliant ruby tone with striking clarity and a translucent core. The lighter colour and glowing rim point to freshness over weight, giving it a youthful, energetic feel.
Aroma / Nose
Fresh red berries lead the way, raspberry, redcurrant, and a hint of cherry skin, supported by a gentle lift of dried herbs that sits somewhere between rose and thyme. There is no heavy oak influence here, just clean, expressive aromatics that feel immediate and alive.
Palate / Taste
The palate opens with blackberry and plum on a silky, mid-weight frame that stays clean and composed, offering ripeness without tipping into heaviness. Alcohol is noticeable toward the back of the throat, though it remains controlled, while the texture carries through as the defining feature, smooth with a fine grip across the gums that gives it shape. A subtle lift on the tongue adds freshness without any spritz character.
Finish
The finish lingers with dark fruit and a gentle warmth through the chest, holding just long enough to leave an impression before fading cleanly.
Food Pairing
We tested this with a couple of simple pairings to see how it behaved:
Aged cheddar: Softens the brighter edge and brings the structure forward
Lean beef: Pulls back the ripeness slightly, giving a more savoury frame
It also held up comfortably on its own, with enough balance and texture to keep it engaging between bites.
From there, it’s easy to see where this would go next. It would likely pair well with wagyu steak or wood-fired pizza, something with umami and a touch of richness to round out the profile.
ATC Verdict: Is It Worth the Splurge?
Yes. Joshua delivers something distinct within the Barossa, trading weight for clarity and allowing its profile to unfold without oak influence getting in the way. We would drink it again, especially in relaxed settings where you want something engaging but not heavy, as it holds up with food, stays interesting on its own, and feels thoughtfully made rather than overworked.
Lively, textural, and refreshingly honest. A bottle that suits weeknight dinners as easily as laid-back entertaining.
Editor’s Note
We opened this on a quiet weeknight, looking for something expressive but easy to sit with, and it delivered more than expected. This is not Barossa at full intensity, but a different side of the region where restraint and clarity carry just as much impact as power, and it held steady across the evening both with food and on its own.
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.
