2022 d'Arenberg Footbolt Shiraz, McLaren Vale

Dark and inky in the glass. Opulent aromas of plum, mulberry, anise, graphite and spice. Chewy, dark fruited and mouth-filling, with plenty of plush fruit all being shaped up by some rather dry and grippy tannins. Needs some protein. Drink 2025-2035.

90 points Aaron Brasher, The Real Review, December 2025

The Footbolt name dates back to the late 1800s, when the Osborn family used the term to describe a hardworking racehorse that had “run itself to a standstill.” It is a fitting name for a wine that reflects both effort and tradition, and one that has long been a cornerstone of the d’Arenberg range.

Small batches of grapes are crushed gently and then transferred to five tonne headed down open fermenters. These batches remain separate until final blending. Foot treading is undertaken two thirds of the way through fermentation. The wine is then basket pressed and then transferred to a mixture of new and used French oak barriques to complete fermentation. The barrel ferments are aged on lees, and there is no racking until final blending. This wine does not undertake fining or filtration prior to bottling.

The Footbolt Shiraz shows classic McLaren Vale character with black fruit and liquorice aromas, all echoed on the generously fruited palate. Characterful and deeply connected to its origins, it remains one of Australia’s most reliable and distinctive expressions of Shiraz. Enjoyable on release but has proven itself to reward cellaring under good conditions.