This a pleasant carignan and syrah blend from the south of France. It is soft and fruity, providing simple drinking at a fair price. Rating: Acceptable. Abv: 12.5%. Price: $15. Website: NA.
This is a very drinkable grenache, syrah and mourvèdre blend from the Côtes du Rhône. There are aromas of red fruits, and a balanced palate with soft tannins. Ready to drink now, this wine is best served chilled. Rating: Good. Abv: 13.5%. Price: $21. Website: NA.
A slight mouthful of name, places and grape varieties, this wine is deep in colour with an inky nose reminding of tar and liquorice. The palate is expressive of dark plums, tannins and leaf and has a bitter finish. This wine is approachable now with decanting, but will benefit from a further 2-3 years cellaring. Rating: Good to Very Good. Abv: 14.5%. Price: $29. Website: darenberg.com.au. Source: Sample.
Modestly priced at $16, this is a sound chardonnay from McLaren Vale and the Adelaide Hills. In the glass, it has restrained aromas of peach and nectarine. The palate is medium-full bodied and in a crisp, fresh style. Rating: Acceptable to Good. Abv: 13%. Price: $16. Website: darenberg.com.au. Source: Sample.
This is an interesting blend of McLaren Vale sagrantino and cinsault from d’Arenberg. Restrained in bearing, it opens to aromas of earth, red fruits and iodine. The palate has firm, dry tannins, bitter undertones and an Italian sensibility. Rating: Good. Abv: 14%. Price: $29. Website: darenberg.com.au. Source: Sample.
This is another well made shiraz grenache from d’Arenberg and very good value at $20. It has aromas of spice and red fruits. The palate is full bodied, soft and plush. Ready to drink now, this wine can be consumed over the next 5 years. Rating: Good. Abv: 14%. Price: $20. Website: darenberg.com.au. Source: Sample.
This is a very good example of McLaren Vale grenache and a steal at $20. The 2016 vintage has aromas of earth, redcurrant and spice. The palate has firm and structured tannins, that surprise with their vigour. Drink now or over the next 6-8 years. Rating: Good to Very Good. Abv: 14.5%. Price: $20. Website: darenberg.com.au. Source: Sample.
