d'Arenberg The Custodian Grenache 2002
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As a young wine, d'Arenberg's Custodian Grenache shows a dark ruby purple hued color and distinctive rich ripe lifted plum, cherry and deep blackcurrant aromas on the top of lighter lolly-like violet, musk and raspberry smells, the essences of grenache. Touches of white pepper, tobacco, cinnamon and spice follow onto the medium to full bodied juicy palate. The rich plum and sweet blackberry fruit flavors are lifted by gentle vanillin and coffee-mocha oak derived flavors and crunchy fine-grained fruit and oak tannins.
After some bottle ageing the color becomes a graduated glowing red-brown and the young fruit scented aromas and flavors gradually transform into velvety rich, spicy, strawberry jam, creamy chocolate, earthy and smoky edged aromas. This integration and complexity develops on the palate too, where the young tannin slowly falls away to reveal a seamless, soft sweet rolling middle palate mulberry and prune like fruit with tertiary biscuit, coffee and chewy old leather flavors before a long, soft, dry mouth filling fine acid finish.
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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.
Grenache thrives in any warm, Mediterranean climate where ample sunlight allows its clusters to achieve full phenolic ripeness. While Grenache's birthplace is Spain (there called Garnacha), today it is more recognized as the key player in the red blends of the Southern Rhône, namely Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Côtes du Rhône and its villages. Somm Secret—The Italian island of Sardinia produces bold, rustic, single varietal Grenache (there called Cannonau). California, Washington and Australia have achieved found success with Grenache, both flying solo and in blends.
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.