The 2009 Ironstone Pressings GSM is a blend of 70% Grenache, 25% Shiraz and 5% Mourvedre (planted in 1918). Deep garnet-purple colored, the nose is just a little restrained, offering notes of earth and tar over dark chocolate, blueberries and black cherries plus a whiff of prunes. The full bodied palate is wonderfully concentrated and structured with tons of savory fruit balanced by crisp acidity and a firm level of chewy tannins. Its finish is long and layered. Drink it 2013 to 2022+. The d’Arenberg winery is 100 years old with a fourth generation Osbourne in charge today of this now considerable operation. Graduated from Roseworthy College in 1983, Chester was expected by his father to change things when he took over the family business. Instead he went back to tradition rather than modernizing. In the d’Arenberg vineyards there is no cultivating, fertilizing or herbicides used – Chester compares these artificial means to growing plants hydroponically. Looking to continually improve the root systems of his vines, he rarely irrigates. Average yields are 1.7 tons per acre. “2011 was actually a great year for us,” Chester informed me. “We didn’t have any problems with rot.”Importer: Old Bridge Cellars, Napa, CA, www.oldbridgecellars.com

Lean and trim, with lifted pomegranate and spice flavors set on a sleek frame. The firm tannins need time to soften. Grenache, Shiraz and Mourvèdre. Best from 2015 through 2017. 150 cases imported.??–HS??Region: Australia / McLaren Vale Select to Add