D’arry’s originalGrenache Shiraz 2021  McLaren Vale, Grenache (50%) Shiraz (50%)  The Name  First released in 1993, this wine was  renamed d’Arry’s Original in honour of  third generation family member Francis  d’Arenberg Osborn, universally known as  d’Arry, to honour his lifelong services to the  wine industry.  The Vintage  The preceding winter was beautifully wet,  f  lushing the soil of salts and filling the  soil profile. Spring too was above average,  with rainfalls up until November which  was almost completely dry. November was  hotter than normal which upset the setting  of berries. Just as well as the bunch number  was way up. Two inches of rain in early  February was much appreciated by the  relatively large crops. Where crops where  smaller, berry size grew. The heat produced  a fast flowering, set, and speedy berry  development leading to an early veraison  and the equal earliest start of vintage  on record. A few days in a row around  35°C in February rapidly ripened early  lower cropping vineyards. From then on,  the vintage was mild and dry. Average  temperatures for autumn were down. Some  nice 30°C days late March and early April  helped finish ripening of bigger crops and  late ripening varieties.  Harvest dates  Residual sugar  16 Feb – 19 Apr  1.6 g/l  The Winemaking  Small batches of grapes are gently crushed  and then transferred to five tonne headed  down open fermenters. These batches  remain separate until final blending. Foot  treading is undertaken two thirds of the  way through fermentation. The wine is then  basket pressed and transferred to a mixture  of new and used French oak barriques to  complete fermentation. The barrel ferments  are aged on lees, and there is no racking until  final blending. This wine does not undertake  fining or filtration prior to bottling.  The Characteristics  A d’Arenberg classic, perfect for every  occasion.  Highly aromatic, with pretty red  fruits and exotic spice. Dark and vibrant  ruby red colour with a perfumed bouquet  of red and black berries. The palate is  medium bodied and delicious, showing wild  strawberry, dried cranberry and rhubarb  flavours. There’s some nice dried herb and  baking spice nuances to this wine. Fine and  velvety tannins are supported by decent  amounts of acidity. An extremely savoury  and long finish makes this wine irresistible.