d'Arenberg The Ironstone Pressings GSM 2018
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Suckling
James - Vinous
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Robert -
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Product Details
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Somm Note
Winemaker Notes
Powerful but elegant. Initially shy on the nose, a few swirls let the wine open up and present a beautiful bouquet of strawberries, ripe plum, and fresh cherries. The more you explore, you’ll find some violets and thyme adding further intrigue. On the palate there is an amazing fusion of red and black fruits that come together seamlessly. Plums, mulberries, blood orange and an assortment of red berries. There’s some freshness thanks to a little green capsicum and some Herbes de Prevonce. Silky, rounded tannins bring that element of elegance that we were promised.
Blend: 70% Grenache, 25% Shiraz, 5% Mourvèdre
Professional Ratings
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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d'Arenberg is one of the undisputed kings of Australian Shiraz and other Rhone varieties that have historically defined the region. A century on, their vineyards have grown to some 450 acres in McLaren Vale, including Shiraz dating back to d'Arenberg's first plantings in 1912, and nearly one-third of McLaren Vale's old bush-vine Grenache. Fourth generation winemaker, Chester Osborn, recently converted all of the family's vineyards to organics and biodynamics and moved to solar energy in the winery. All the while, in terms of winemaking, not much has changed--all the wines are basket-pressed, the reds foot-trodden during fermentation; everything is done in small batches, leading to an impressive array of bottlings every year, each showing a different facet of McLaren Vale terroir. Having been inducted into Wine & Spirits Magazine's Hall of Fame for earning a place on its Top 100 Wineries nine times, this accolade is a reflection of d'Arenberg's revered reputation worldwide.
With bold fruit flavors and accents of sweet spice, Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre form the base of the classic Rhône Red Blend, while Carignan, Cinsault and Counoise often come in to play. Though they originated from France’s southern Rhône Valley, with some creative interpretation, Rhône blends have also become popular in other countries. Somm Secret—Putting their own local spin on the Rhône Red Blend, those from Priorat often include Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. In California, it is not uncommon to see Petite Sirah make an appearance.
Known for opulent red wines with intense power and concentration, McLaren Vale is home to perhaps the most “classic” style of Australian Shiraz. Vinified on its own or in Rhône Blends, these hot-climate wines are deeply colored and high in extract with signature hints of dark chocolate and licorice. Cabernet Sauvignon is also produced in a similar style.
Whites, often made from Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc tend to be opulent and full of tropical, stone and citrus fruit.