d'Arenberg The Ironstone Pressings 2004

In its youth, d'Arenberg's The Ironstone Pressings has a deep, dark plum-purple color matched by just as intense black cherry, spice, plum, strawberry, a little liquorice and brooding blackcurrant aromas. Mulberry, ripe plum and fresh pepper dominate the rich full-bodied palate before a long, intense, rolling, dark cherry spice and gritty tannin finish.

Eventually, the Grenache and Shiraz blossom as rich, sweet, violet-like scents, with spicy based aroma, before malty, sweet, dark chocolate flavors and crunchy, chewy textured black olive, spicy ginger and long fleshy textures. The Mourvedre adds dried herbs and iodine characters, which are very persistent, matched with slightly chalky tannins.

The hallmark of vigorous, fine piquant tannin and acidity continue to reside with The Ironstone Pressings after some considerable time, as have previous vintages since the late 1950's.

"Intriguing nose of red berries and boysenberry, tobacco leaf and light brown spice. Liqueur-rich and round with medium tannins and broad, copious, nicely concentrated flavors of black fruit, licorice and loamy earth that are lifted and lively becoming sweeter in the extended close."
The Wine News
94 points