d'Arenberg The Ironstone Pressings GSM 2018

Professional Ratings

• 96 James Suckling
  This is a blend of 75% grenache, 20% shiraz and 5% mourvedre with the shiraz component selected for its spicy and lively style. Grenache is the star here, holding a very fresh and spicy edge to the nose with some fresh, earthy elements, too. On the palate there’s plenty of raspberries, blueberries and blue plums, carried on long, sheet-like tannins. Detailed and pure. Drink over the next decade.
• 94 Vinous

  The 2018 Grenache Shiraz Mourvèdre The Ironstone Pressings is proudly old school; it's a rustic expression and built to last. The aromas are powerful, muscular and meaty; they reflect well-ripened fruit, earth and dried spice scents with a heart of baked cherries and supporting cedar oak. Dry, firm tannins support a raft of savory flavors, including old iron and meat stock, through to a lengthy finish.

• 90 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
  This 2018 The Ironstone Pressings Grenache Shiraz Mourvedre is concentrated, dense and intense, with layers of dark fruit, exotic spice and all of it shaped by pliable tannins. This will have a swag of fans, given its satisfaction-inducing fruit weight.
• 90 Wine Enthusiast
  Gentle winter warming notes of black pepper, cloves and bay leaf weave between plump plum and blackcurrant fruit and graphite. The palate offers a lovely texture and savoriness with powerfully taut, well-placed—if drying—tannins, and a tang of juicy acidity that makes this a wine that drinks well now with rich, meaty dishes like barbecue ribs. Could cellar until around 2030.
• 90 Wine Spectator
  A big mouthful of a wine, with concentrated blackberry and cassis flavors, dried sage, laurel bay leaf, tobacco and cedar notes. Delivering tannins that are appealing in their density, this is firm but with savory appeal on the finish. Best after 2031.