Winemaker Notes
The 2005 Ironstone Pressings, one of d'Arenberg's flagship icon wines, is expressive with aromasof red berries, spice, black cherry, plum and freshly cut flowers. The palate is immense andbeautifully structured with layers of red fruits and exotic notes of spice, peppers, cherries, darkplum, blueberries and boysenberries. The finish is long and balanced with piquant tannin andacidity.
Blend: 70% Grenache, 25% Shiraz, 5% Mourvedre
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2005 The Ironstone Pressings GSM is superb in this top-notch vintage. It exhibits a fragrant bouquet of mineral, earth, truffle, black cherry, plum, and blueberry. Full-bodied as well full-throttled, it offers an extra dimension of complex spicy blue and black fruit flavors, well-concealed tannin, and a seamless, pure finish. Rich enough to be enjoyed now, it will provide pleasure over the next 20 years.
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.