I’m of the opinion that Grenache fared better than Shiraz in the Vale during the warm 2009 vintage. It’s a generalisation but I’m content to make it. So it’s really not surprising that I vastly prefer the d’Arenberg Ironstone Pressings blend of 67% Grenache, 27% Shiraz and 6% Mourvèdre to the straight varietal Dead Arm Shiraz of the same year. They bear the same price tag.
Tannic, ferrous, sanguine and savoury. Punctuated by sweet raspberry coulis flavour along with some plums and blackberries. Air-dried beef. Complex spice and seasoning, with fleshiness mostly constrained to the anterior. Dries out a bit towards the end with thick, aggressive tannin. Needs time for the structure to resolve but the quality is there. 92+ Very Good
Region: McLaren Vale
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Price: $70
Tasted: May 2013