d'Arenberg The Ironstone Pressings GSM 2009
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Fragrant mulberry and maraschino cherry fruits complement earthy spices and licorice notes against a backdrop of cedar oak. The powerfully structured palate offers layers of ripe exotic fruits and summer flowers blending effortlessly with a fine acid backbone and silky, mineral-edged tannins. The floral finish of jasmine and lavender notes is intense and persistent.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2009 Ironstone Pressings GSM is a blend of 70% Grenache, 25% Shiraz and 5% Mourvedre (planted in 1918). Deep garnet-purple colored, the nose is just a little restrained, offering notes of earth and tar over dark chocolate, blueberries and black cherries plus a whiff of prunes. The full bodied palate is wonderfully concentrated and structured with tons of savory fruit balanced by crisp acidity and a firm level of chewy tannins. Its finish is long and layered.
Rating: 94+ Points
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Wine Enthusiast
A blend of Grenache, Shiraz and Mourvedre, this is much more firmly tannic and structured than most such Australian blends. Grilled meat, red plum, black tea and rose hip notes are crisp and firm on the palate.
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Wine & Spirits
d’Arenberg’s classic blend of grenache, shiraz and mourvedre is packed with the spice of McLaren Vale. Mourvedre’s rustic character dominates the blend, laying a scratchy camel blanket over blackberry fruit. Youthfully reduced, this needs cellar time to show its best.
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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.
With bold fruit flavors and accents of sweet spice, Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre form the base of the classic Rhône Red Blend, while Carignan, Cinsault and Counoise often come in to play. Though they originated from France’s southern Rhône Valley, with some creative interpretation, Rhône blends have also become popular in other countries. Somm Secret—Putting their own local spin on the Rhône Red Blend, those from Priorat often include Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. In California, it is not uncommon to see Petite Sirah make an appearance.
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.