d’Arenberg have certainly championed Grenache at least as much as any other Australian producer I’m aware of. I’ve recently tasted through four more D’Arenberg Grenache/Grenache based wines at a variety of prices…and then there’s the recent release of the flagship subregional Grenaches which have already begun to receive acclaim. They aren’t cheap but apparently they are superb.
The Derelict Vineyard takes its name from chief winemaker Chester Osborn’s search for old vine Grenache vineyards that had fallen into disrepair and his attempts to restore them to former glories.
A pretty nose of rose petals, sweet jubey raspberries and darker fleshier aspects. That fleshiness continues onto the palate and marks the wine as a slightly different style of Grenache to the narrower, silk ribbon versions. There are plenty of earthen, ferrous characters and a gamey edge. It all works well together. Throw in some orange peel and chocolate and you’ve got most of the flavours covered. Also somewhat atypical is the amount of iron filing tannin structure, carrying the architecture with slicing but integrated acids. No shortage of complexity or character, that’s for sure. Good – Very Good
Region: McLaren Vale
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Price: $35
Tasted: May 2012
Well you can Derelicte my balls!
I can Derelicte my own balls thank you
Flexible as ever.