McLaren Vale, Australia

Established in 1912 by Joseph Osborn & today d'Arenberg is one of the most significant wineries in McLaren Vale The winery is now under the charge of Joseph Osborn grandson, Francis d’Arenberg Osborn (international known as ‘d’Arry’) & his son Chester Osborn who is the Chief Winemaker at the winery. In 1990 Chester was crowned McLaren Vale Bushing King for producing the best table wine in the district judged at the McLaren Vale Wine Show. In 1999 Chester was named the inaugural Winestate Australian Winemaker of The Year, the same year d’Arenberg was named as in US Wine & Spirits Top 70 Wineries in the World.

“One of McLaren Vale’s most traditional producers, making good, rustic wines & most famous for their d’Arry’s Original Burgundy. With younger generation winemaker Chester Osborn at the helm, d’Arenberg has become a little more innovative, with forays into the world of obscure varietals & huge big reds such as the Dead Arm Shiraz particularly impressing.”  Wine Encyclopedia – Hugh Johnson.

Chester Osborn, Winemaker

d’ARENBERG Olive Grove Chardonnay 1999                     RM66.95

Nose is almost Sauvignon Blanc like with green capsicum & nice fruit salad aromas. Fresh, zesty, palate shows some peach skin floral flavours with add interest & softness. Well balanced with lovely acid. This wine was awarded the Bronze Medal in the 2000 London International Wine Challenge. Rated: O O O O  Winestate Australia & New Zealand Wine Guide Magazine Annual 2001

d’ARENBERG Noble Riesling 1997                                    RM116.20

A glittering golden wine with a lush bouquet showing loads of botrytis influence with marmalade, glaze fruit, citrus & perfumed, spicy sweet Riesling aromas. It’s a full-bodied mouthful of spicy sweet fruit too, with luscious & long flavour. Rated: O O O O The Penguin Good Australia Wine Guide – Ralph Powell & Huon Hooke

d’ARENBERG Red Ochre 1998                                           RM52.90

Light to medium red purple, a clean, fresh bouquet with light cherry pip fruit, the palate has similar fruit flavour on entry, but finishes with quite good tannins, which add complexity. Rated: O O O ½ Australia & New Zealand Wine Companion 2001 – James Halliday

  There are bright, spicy / pepper notes to clean red berry fruit aromas, lovely  juicy red berry fruit with spice & mint runs along the palate, finishing with soft, fine tannins. Rated: O O O O ½ Australia & New Zealand Wine Companion 2001 – James Halliday 2001 London International Wine Challenge gold medal

d’ARENBERG Footbolt Old Vine Shiraz 1999                         RM78.80

Firm & tart, with jazzy cherry & spice flavors that echo pepper & cedar on the finish. On the lean side, but appealing for its zip. Best after 2002. Rated: 87 / 100 Wine Spectator Megazine

Medium red-purple, a fragrant, aromatic bouquet shows spicy, tangy, earthy sweet fruit & subtle oak. The palate has an unusual array of flavours, spicy, almost lemony, picking up on these tangy characters of the bouquet. Rated: 90 / 100 Australia & New Zealand Wine Companion 2001 – James Halliday

d’ ARENBERG The Dead Arm Shiraz 98                               RM194.20

This is a round, generous shiraz that’s packed with layers of  flovour, offering ripe berry, plum, exotic Spices and a touch of mint as the long finish unfurls. Can go decades in the cellars. Best after 2003 RATED 93/100 IN WINE SPECTATOR  OOOOO

d’ ARENBERG Ironstone Pressing GSM 98                            RM194.20

Medium to full red-purple; the bouquet is very ripe, with slightly jammy Grenache setting the tone,together with a hint of mint. The palate has massive body and extract, with the tannins running throughout, a convincing demonstration of raw power. OOOO BLUE GOLD MEDAL 2000