2002 d'Arenberg d'Arry's Original Shiraz/Grenache

[dananne]

This 50/50 blend comes from McLaren Vale.

Decanted 30 minutes before 1st pour and through evening. Dark color bordering on purple. Aromas of plum, black cherry, and coffee. While some Oz wines seem to be having trouble with enough acidity to balance the fruit lately, this one offers considerable acidity to carry the dark fruit flavors. A touch of licorice and spicy pepper on the finish. Not an amazing wine, but everything tasted in balance. Somewhat "old world" in style, unlike much that is coming from Oz. Overall, another good effort from this reliable producer. 14.5% alc. Paid about $16 locally. FWIW, RP 90 and Tanzer 87.

[dananne]

We (I say "we," but it was mostly Anne) had the '03 version of this over two nights. Aroma and flavor profile quite different, with this one showing jammy berry aromas and flavors with a significant rosemary element. In fact, on the first evening, the rosemary was so prominent on both the nose and the finish that it almost overwhelmed the wine. Faded into the background on the second night. Somewhat weird, but interesting, though. Up to 15% alc. Ran about the same price.