2009 d'Arenberg The Ironstone Pressings GSM, McLaren Vale

McLaren Vale, Grenache (67%) Shiraz (27%) Mourvèdre (6%)

On the nose we are struck by the typical dark fruits that drinkers of this wine have come to love and expect. Plums, mulberries, fresh soil and more developed peaty like notes are all apparent, with an underlying lick of exotic Indian spice. But, it is the irony, stone like character that gives away the vintage.

An abundance of fresh fruits on the palate marry well with the more complex characters of quince paste, cinnamon, nutmeg, star anise and earthy beetroot. Driving the core of the wine is that vintage trademark in the form of graphite and wet stone. This wine, while appearing open and generous already, will continue to age well thanks to the lively line of acidity and the abundance of fine gritty tannins.

While enjoyable in youth, this wine will reach its full potential with bottle age up to at least 20 years. The considerable structure and depth will ensure that the fruit characters will develop over time revealing more complexity and providing immense interest.

Chester Osborne, winemaker