Winemaker Notes
The term ‘garagists' is used to describe the producers in Bordeaux who make great wines in their garage outside of the ‘Appellation Controlee' system. d'Arenberg's galvanized, corrugated garage was built in 1927 and to this day, houses their traditional open fermenters and 19th century basket presses.
The 2004 Galvo Garage is an intense, full bodied wine worthy of aging. The nose exhibits classical cabernet characteristics- blackcurrant, cassis, ripe berries, black cherries, and dark plums. The palate is velvety with expressions of mulberries, cherries, and dark chocolate. The finish is balanced and vibrant.
Professional Ratings
One of the world’s most classic and popular styles of red wine, Bordeaux-inspired blends have spread from their homeland in France to nearly every corner of the New World. Typically based on either Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot and supported by Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot, the best of these are densely hued, fragrant, full of fruit and boast a structure that begs for cellar time. Somm Secret—Blends from Bordeaux are generally earthier compared to those from the New World, which tend to be fruit-dominant.
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.