d'Arenberg d'Arry's Original Shiraz/Grenache 2015
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James
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Winemaker Notes
A winemaker's favorite. Year in, year out this traditional Shiraz Grenache blend continues to deliver beyond expectation. 2015 is no exception. Dark, earthy Shiraz notes, complemented perfectly by fruit-driven, pure Grenache. The palate is equally rewarding. Rich and powerful, but not in an overbearing way. This wine will definitely benefit from decanting whilst young, but don't be afraid to let it age a few years yet in a well-conditioned cellar.
Blend: 50% Shiraz, 50% Grenache
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
Lots of brambles and spices to this blend of shiraz and grenache. Peppers, blackberry compote, dark chocolate and dried herbs too. Full body, structured and chewy tannins, a fine line of acidity and a juicy finish. Drink in 2021.
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Wine & Spirits
Chester Osborn continues to hit home runs with this classic blend of shiraz and grenache, which he grows at his estate vineyards that date to the 19th century. Those old vines offer a traditional wine with red-and-black-fruit depths infused with the green stemminess of roses. This needs time to integrate, but it’s the kind of Australian red that harks back to the days long before critters and ripeness, with an authenticity to its flavors that grounds it in McLaren Vale.
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Wine Enthusiast
Deep purple in hue, the nose of this wine is as dense as the color. Aromas of dark berries, black pepper and wood spice are backed by a meaty character. The palate is lush and fruity, with a damp earthy core. While the fruit is plump, it's not fat or syrupy thanks in large part to powerful, sinewy tannins. Drink now–2027.
Other Vintages
2019-
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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.
With bold fruit flavors and accents of sweet spice, Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre form the base of the classic Rhône Red Blend, while Carignan, Cinsault and Counoise often come in to play. Though they originated from France’s southern Rhône Valley, with some creative interpretation, Rhône blends have also become popular in other countries. Somm Secret—Putting their own local spin on the Rhône Red Blend, those from Priorat often include Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. In California, it is not uncommon to see Petite Sirah make an appearance.
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.