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NOTES
d’Arenberg’s home vineyards are bordered by Seaview Road to the north, Chalk Hill Road to the south, Coppermine Road to the East, and Twentyeight Road to the west. Why the Twentyeight Road is so-called is still not settled and there is still much speculation, especially from our principal, d’Arry. Some locals claim it is called thus for being 28 ‘chains’ in length, others say it was because the road runs to the original 128th linear map division of the district.
Aside from all the differences of opinion, the crux of this story is that running alongside this somewhat crooked dirt track is d’Arenberg’s Mourvedre vineyard. Planted in the 1880’s and then re-planted in the 1920’s, it is a square, 4 acre dry land block planted to bush vine Mourvedre which is protected by native gums and scrub on three sides. The soils on this block are free-draining, sandy and littered with ironstone.
Mourvedre at d’Arenberg has had a chequered and rather anonymous history in that it did not always enjoy the same regard as Grenache has always done here. Traditionally blended at d’Arenberg with its vinous Rh? derived siblings, Grenache and Shiraz, it was not until the revival of these traditional red grape varieties in the 1980’s and 1990’s, that Chester was inspired to release a separate bottling of Mourvedre under the red stripe label in 1995.
TASTING NOTES
A deep, dark-black appearance with a dark red hue. The aroma is a mix of spiced red fruits with a dark tarry, leathery, jube, Satsuma plum character then, as it opens up, amarillo cherry notes, lavender and freshly cut flower stems evolve. A mix of licorice, roasted root vegetables, dehydrated passionfruit skins and white and green crushed pepper add complexity. The palate has an immense soft, rich entry which throws you off guard but quickly the breadth and depth of concentration and tight mineral, flowery, dried herb, violet finish brings you back into focus.
OTHER REVIEWS
‘It is deep crimson-colored with a very expressive, spicy perfume of damp earth, graphite, meat, smoke, blueberry and blackberry. On the palate it is fat, fleshy, and rustically styled with excellent layering of fruit, sweet tannins, and a long finish. Give it 3-5 years to blossom and drink it through 2020.’ – 93 Points, Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate, October 2007
‘Blood-red. Explosively perfumed scents of red and dark cherry accompanied by mocha, licorice, black cardamom and lavender. Sweet dark berry and kirsch flavors are firmed by solid tannins and brightened by floral pastille and white pepper notes. Clingy and impressively long, with a persistent bitter cherry note on the lightly tannic finish. A superb example of New World Mourvedre.’ – 91 Points, Stephen Tanzer, International Wine Cellar, July 2007
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