d'Arenberg The Derelict Vineyard Grenache 2006
Grenache
from McLaren Vale, Australia
winemaker's notes:
On initial pouring, the colours of this wine are dark and concentrated and suggest a very young wine. Served blind, the fragrance and voluptuous, red fruit aromas lead you to think that it's more likely a brooding Kiwi pinot than McLaren Vale Grenache. However, as the aromas evolve, notes of roasted meats, liquorice, spices, white pepper & sweet paprika emerge. Combined with concentrated maraschino cherries & blueberry flavours and it soon becomes obvious that this is real Grenache, at its best.
The palate is rich and soft dominated by very pure, deep, exotic, spiced, red fruit and Turkish delight notes. This is followed by savoury edges of herbs, bitter chocolate and earthy/tarry leather flavours that are long, juicy and balanced with fine lacy acidity and ripe slippery tannins.
The richness of fruit, overall softness and very long finish is impressive and, for those who haven't really understood the complexities of Grenache, this wine could be quite captivating. Those Grenache converts will find this a real pleasure. Possibly the best we have crafted to date,
we expect this will be a fascinating wine to taste and drink over the next 10 to 15 years ahead.
critical acclaim:
"The deep crimson-colored 2006 The Derelict Vineyard Grenache is redolent of garrigue, lavender, and black cherry aromas. Dense, layered, and sweetly fruited, it will deliver pleasure over the next six years."
91 Points
The Wine Advocate
"Dark red. Fresh red berries, musky underbrush, flowers and licorice on the complex nose. At once concentrated and lively, with fresh red fruit flavors and slow-mounting Indian spices. Finishes with impressive tang and length-not to mention excellent balance."
91 Points
International Wine Cellar
"This has the chocolate-dipped strawberry flavors of ripe grenache, with brightness to the fruit that gives a dynamic feel to the structure. It will make a clean, fresh contrast to braised lamb.
"
91 Points
Wine & Spirits
User Reviews
The top 3 most liked reviews for this wine.
Deeply fruity, yet even after allowing it to breathe, the alcoholic bite was a bit strong. My husband thought it was a bit too acidic, but I enjoyed it. More of a 3 1/2 star rating.
I was deeply disappointed by this wine and am frankly dumbfounded how it ever got a high rating (e.g. >90). It tastes like d"Arenberg actually added additional alcohol to this wine. This "boozy" wine fails to soften even after allowing it to breathe for nearly an hour. In short, this grenache tastes like a bargain bin marked-for-clearance bottle of wine and is not worth the $25 price tag. Save your money and look elsewhere if you want a good grenache.
User Wine Lists
The top 3 most viewed lists that include this wine.
Create a list and share your favorite wines with other customers.
Try a bottle - 9/29/2010
(20 items) (viewed 1381 times)
CAVA - 9/27/2010
(50 items) (viewed 985 times)
94+ REDS - 10/23/2010
(101 items) (viewed 970 times)
