2005 d'Arenberg "d'Arry's Original" Shiraz-Grenache McLaren Vale South Australia (Elsewhere $16)

93 points Wine and Spirits: "Francis d'Arenberg Osborn, better known as d'Arry, developed this style in the 1960s; his son, Chester, who makes the wine today, has taken some creative directions with other styles while continuing to defer to his father with this wine. And he nailed it in 2005. It's classical McLaren, with full-bore strawberry and raspberry fruit blowing through curtains of tannins that feel fresh despite their earthy weight. Rustic and pretty. Buy a case or more. You won't grow tired of it." According to Robert Parker: "The 2005 d'Arry’s Original Shiraz (50%) / Grenache (50%) was aged for 12 months in French and American oak. It is purple-colored with aromas of violets, meat, black cherry, plum, and blueberry. Medium to full-bodied, it offers plenty of spicy red and black fruits, silky tannins, and good depth. It has several years of aging potential but can be enjoyed now. It is an excellent value." (10/07) According to Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar, Jul/Aug 07: "(a 50/50 blend of shiraz and grenache) Bright purple. Youthfully grapey on the nose, offering vibrant dark berry and cherry scents. Firm, restrained blackberry and cassis flavors display excellent focus and clarity, with fine-grained tannins giving the wine a firm structural underpinning..." According to Wine Spectator: "Bright in flavor and refined in texture, with plum and rhubarb notes mingling with cedar as the slightly gamy finish lingers. Drink now through 2010."