August Mixed Dozen

I reckon most winemakers kick off making a single wine. Just as I did in 2001 when I released the first vintage of Joshua. But over time, being the curious beasts we are, we periodically find new inspiration and add a new member or two to 'the family'.

Nearly twenty five years down the track since Joshua first rolled off the bottling line, the Teusner wine family has now rounded out neatly to 20 members with two recent additions - a zesty and refreshing Fiano, and a commanding Barossa Cabernet. Of course with new wines, comes consideration for new names and the telling of new stories.

Fiano has quietly worked its way into the Barossa vineyard landscape, with new plantings established with the last decade now yielding bright, refreshing and uber tasty whites. The perfect complement to the generously flavoured reds the Barossa is best known for.

'Lucius' is named for the chief protaganist in the classic Roman era novel Metamorphoses who experiments with magic and is accidentally turned into a donkey. Good fortune intervenes in a later chapter with the goddess Isis returning Lucius to human form. This story then helps to explain the presence of an impressive gold ass on the front label!

The latest red to join the Teusner stable is inspired by our belief that greatness often comes from contrast. The Eden Valley and Barossa Valley are a classic example of this - the former a new home to English immigrants in the 1840's, the latter for Germans. The Germanic ‘Kavalier’ (courtly gentleman/gallant soldier) contrasts with the English ‘Cavalier’ (off-handed arrogance), mirroring the relationship between Cabernet Sauvignon from Eden Valley and Barossa Valley. Our ‘Kavalier’ Cabernet Sauvignon walks the line between refinement and boldness, showcasing the very best of both regions. The 2022 'Kav' has already racked up some impressive reviews including 96 points from Tyson Stelzer ('Brilliant Barossa Cabernet') and 94+ from The Vintage Journal ('Vivacious wine').

My tasting notes on both new wines appear below.

I've included a bottle of the 2022 Kavalier Cabernet Sauvignon in this month's mixed dozen....to which I'm also tossing in a complementary bottle of the 2025 Lucius Fiano valued at $30, I've rounded out the dozen with a selection of five classic Teusner reds - 2 bottles each of the 2021 Riebke Shiraz, 2022 Bilmore Shiraz, 2023 Joshua, 2022 Independent Shiraz Mataro and 2022 Dog Strangler Mataro.

We'll get that big box of Teusner deliciousness delivered to your door for just $320 which includes free shipping. A saving of 21% off our regular website price.....and don't forget I'm tossing in the bottle of 2025 Lucius Fiano for nix! Chuck it straight in the fridge and serve it up nice and cold at the first sign of a sunny day.