d'Arenberg The Derelict Vineyard Grenache 2018
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Suckling
James -
Spirits
Wine &
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James Suckling
This has a very pure feel with such bright raspberry and red cherry, as well as some lightly perfumed notes. Such vividly appealing fragrance with some blood orange, too. The palate has a long, juicy drive of ripe fruit and delivers a focused, spicy red-fruit core. The tannins are well defined and long. Drink or hold.
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Wine & Spirits
The ancient vines that deliver this grenache were once abandoned and about to be pulled out after fortified wines lost favor and white varieties took off. Chester Osborn used that moment to buy up these parcels, adding them to his family’s estate. They now produce grenache that cascades with fruit in 2018, floral and sunny wild strawberry flavors and sweet lavender perfume. Tannins hold it tight, so the wine feels refined and juicy at once. This should develop well in the cellar.
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d'Arenberg is one of the undisputed kings of Australian Shiraz and other Rhone varieties that have historically defined the region. A century on, their vineyards have grown to some 450 acres in McLaren Vale, including Shiraz dating back to d'Arenberg's first plantings in 1912, and nearly one-third of McLaren Vale's old bush-vine Grenache. Fourth generation winemaker, Chester Osborn, recently converted all of the family's vineyards to organics and biodynamics and moved to solar energy in the winery. All the while, in terms of winemaking, not much has changed--all the wines are basket-pressed, the reds foot-trodden during fermentation; everything is done in small batches, leading to an impressive array of bottlings every year, each showing a different facet of McLaren Vale terroir. Having been inducted into Wine & Spirits Magazine's Hall of Fame for earning a place on its Top 100 Wineries nine times, this accolade is a reflection of d'Arenberg's revered reputation worldwide.
Grenache thrives in any warm, Mediterranean climate where ample sunlight allows its clusters to achieve full phenolic ripeness. While Grenache's birthplace is Spain (there called Garnacha), today it is more recognized as the key player in the red blends of the Southern Rhône, namely Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Côtes du Rhône and its villages. Somm Secret—The Italian island of Sardinia produces bold, rustic, single varietal Grenache (there called Cannonau). California, Washington and Australia have achieved found success with Grenache, both flying solo and in blends.
Known for opulent red wines with intense power and concentration, McLaren Vale is home to perhaps the most “classic” style of Australian Shiraz. Vinified on its own or in Rhône Blends, these hot-climate wines are deeply colored and high in extract with signature hints of dark chocolate and licorice. Cabernet Sauvignon is also produced in a similar style.
Whites, often made from Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc tend to be opulent and full of tropical, stone and citrus fruit.