Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Wine & Spirits
It's tempting to pick apart the elements of this blend-the curranty ripeness of cabernet sauvignon, the silken plumminess of merlot, the blackness of petit verdot and the green tobacco scents of franc. The wine combines all those elements in a richly textured red with the fresh scent of a eucalyptus grove. More restrained in its ripeness than d'Arenberg's McLaren Vale wines, this still delivers substantial flavors. Decant it for a thick-cut sirloin, grilled rare.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2006 The Galvo Garage is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot which spent 10-12 months in seasoned French and American oak. Opaque purple-colored, it presents aromas of cedar, spice box, black currant and blackberry. Structured, dense, and savory, this firm effort will evolve for 2-3 years and offer prime drinking from 2012 to 2021.
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.