2017 d'Arry's Original, McLaren Vale, d'Arenberg Shiraz Grenache

Back to good form for this venerable label. Ripe raspberry, floral, an ironstone mineral feel, sweet uptake of fruit, but swept along on a firm carpet of tannin. A bit of liquorice , dried herb and meaty flavour on a very solid finish. Jolly good.

McLaren Vale Grenache leads clearly here, raspberry and mulberry establishing fruit primacy; hints of earth warmed by the summer sun, oak remnants. Darker at its heart than aromatics initially suggest, more of the earthen notes, suggestions of liquorice and spice - black pepper, clove - adding depth through the middle. Length to boot, all coming together in what appears a fine release.

Going since 1969, basket pressed & bloody beautiful. The first one I tasted was the 1986-AWESOME. This one has subtle complex aromas with a smidge of dried herbs,stacks of yummy flavours & tight tannins on the finish- have patience & it will become another CLASSIC d'ARRY'S ORIGINAL!!

A light herbal edge to the lemon and fresh-quince aromas here. The palate has nicely delivery succulence with acidity zing cutting into fresh, fleshy stone-fruit flavors.

Bronze Decanter World Wine Awards. Polished and poised, with layers of liquorice and black cherry, smooth tannins and black pepper on the palate.

Wine Spectator's Value Pick of the Week. Juicy, plump cherry, blackberry and blueberry flavors mingle with vanilla bean, mocha and nutmeg details in this red. The tannins are firm, and there's a savory, sanguine note in the background, plus a lingering hint of roasted chestnut. Shiraz and Grenache. Drink now.

Best wine buy, Jan. '21. "That's just beautiful." I don't often write those words for a $20 wine, if I write them at all. While Chester Osborn may be farming 37 varieties and making many more wines, he has in no way neglected this classic. In fact, this is the best d'Arry's Original in recent memory, though Chester's father, d'Arry Osborn, mayremember better since he created the original "Burgundy" blend in the 1960s. This is a lovely, bright, sassy wine, more about elemental sensations than any direct fruit. The grape-skin freshness of its tannins seems to reflect the cool, late vintage, delivering a sensation like the pure brisk feel of snow melt. The texture is supple, with some rocky edges, and there's a spice to the wine, a bright fruit character shadowed by gamey notes. Simple, classic and delicious.

Som i de foregående årgange er det Shiraz' syre, der dominerer over Grenaches krydrede finesser, men de enes dog efterhånden, så bare 10-15 min. luft gør underværker. Herefter er der lutter glæde og frugtig harmoni i glasset, hvor Grenache sørger for de raffinerede kulisser, og hvor smagen samenfatter sydaustralsk Shiraz' sympatiske særkender: saft, solskin, solbær, struktur - men egentlig kun behersket sødme. I denne harmoniske årgang kan den også nydes uden mad.