d’Arenberg ‘The Innocent Weed’ Grenache Mourvedre Shiraz 2020 

Also from the Organic range, Chester advises that in fact the Innocent Weed is far from innocent (which begs the question as to why the wine is not called ‘The Guilty Weed’ or the ‘Not Innocent Weed’). Sharp thorns and sticky seeds. This is a blend of 60% Grenache, 29% Mourvedre and 11% Shiraz, which is gently crushed and transferred to open fermenters. Foot treading follows, then basket-pressing and ageing in French oak. 

This is opaque with a purple/red rim. Opens with lovely aromas – red fruits, mulberries, plums, black cherries, chocolate, spices and dry herbs. There are ever-so-slightly gritty tannins, which I would assume is part of the contribution made by the Grenache. The palate is supple and well balanced, right through to a really impressive finish. Terrific now but good for a decade.