d'Arenberg The Custodian Grenache 2018
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A beautiful crimson purple, edging toward a purple hue. On the nose we find tomato leaves, violets and red fruits. It’s medium bodied with more of those red fruits, pomegranate, and rhubarb. A little on the ripe side, with some green edges. There’s some lovely, beautiful crisp acidity. A gloriously dry finish. Velvety tannins envelop the wine. Light easy drinking in it’s youth. With time, this wine will become a showstopper.
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In typical D’Arenberg fashion, this is a rich, tannic red, particularly for a Grenache. But there’s much to like here. The nose is chocolaty with ground pepper, warm earth and mint amid blackberry and blueberry fruit. The palate is full-bodied by Grenache standards, with a lick of alcohol heat. But it still retains freshness and silky fruit, even in the face of a powerful, savory tannin structure. Would be a cracker with barbecue fare.
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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.