d’Arenberg Derelict Vineyard McLaren Vale Grenache 2010

d’Arenberg Derelict Vineyard McLaren Vale Grenache 2010

I reckon some of d’Arenberg’s best wines are Grenache based, with the earthen, ‘I’ve been to the southern Rhone and bought all the t-shirts’ rusticity of the d’Arenberg style custom made for a bit of Grenache action.

This ’10 Derelict is pretty handy too. It’s an extractive, structured style of Grenache with some gritty weight and rough tannins. That palate is a bit rough ‘n’ ready, but also quite charming in its Grenachey heartiness, saved by some late, lolly red fruit sweetness.

Anything but the polished, sweet and modern wine, but there’s plenty to chew on here.

Details: 13.5%, Screwcap, $30
Tasted: February 2015, Sample
Best drinking: 2015-2022
Score: 17/20, 90/100
Would I buy it? A glass would do.
Buy online: Winebox Warehouse, darenberg website