Region and Vineyards
McLaren Vale, one of Australia’s premier wine regions, is renowned for its Mediterranean climate, cooling ocean breezes, and ancient soils. These conditions contribute to intensely flavored Shiraz with exceptional depth and balance.
The vintage was marked by cool spring temperatures and a short heat wave during flowering, leading to lower yields but highly concentrated fruit. A well-timed rainfall in February provided relief, ensuring balanced ripening and excellent fruit quality. Despite being one of the lowest-yielding vintages in memory, the wines from this year are among the finest, with extraordinary color, complexity, and length.
Winemaking
The winemaking at d’Arenberg remains traditional and labor-intensive, preserving the authenticity of McLaren Vale Shiraz. Small batches of grapes are gently crushed and fermented in five-ton open fermenters. Foot treading is performed during fermentation, ensuring optimal extraction of color and tannins.
The wine is then basket pressed and transferred to French oak barriques (new and used), where it completes fermentation and ages on its lees. No racking, fining, or filtration is conducted before bottling, allowing for a pure and expressive final wine.
Tasting Notes
- Color: Deep purple-crimson with vivid intensity.
- Aroma: A fragrant bouquet of blackberries, plum, and boysenberry, with hints of dark chocolate and spice.
- Palate: Lush and full-bodied, featuring rich flavors of black fruits, plums, cassis, and black cherries. The velvety tannins and a lingering savory finish of dark chocolate create perfect harmony between fruit ripeness and oak aging.
Did You Know?
The name "The Footbolt" comes from Joseph Osborn’s legendary racehorse, which he sold in 1912 to purchase the d’Arenberg vineyard. This decision marked the beginning of one of Australia’s most iconic wineries, now run by the fourth generation of the Osborn family.
Wine Pairing Ideas
- Slow-braised beef short ribs – The wine’s bold fruit and velvety tannins complement the richness and succulence of the dish.
- Lamb tagine with prunes and almonds – The wine’s dark fruit flavors enhance the depth of the spiced slow-cooked lamb.
- Aged cheddar or smoked gouda – The creamy texture and nuttiness of these cheeses balance the wine’s structure.
- Mushroom and truffle pasta – Earthy flavors pair beautifully with the wine’s complexity and dark chocolate nuances.
