d’Arenberg ‘The Innocent Weed’ Grenache Mourvedre Shiraz 2020
- 94
- $25
- Drink by: 2021-2031
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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.
Ken was born and bred in Brisbane, Queensland. He had a non-trendy, perfectly happy childhood, in a family convinced alcohol meant instant condemnation to Hades. But a break fishing on the Great Barrier Reef, and some good wine, started a serious obsession that eventually took over. It did not stop Ken being chastised later for drinking Pol champagne, disgusted he’d drink anything made by a Cambodian dictator. Now, Ken mostly writes on wine, champagne and spirits for various newspapers, magazines and books, but is perhaps best known for his work in The Courier Mail. He also has a little sideline writing on cigars, fishing, travel and food. When not writing, fly-fishing for trout in NZ or bonefish on the flats of Cuba, travelling or smoking cigars, he is no doubt following a variety of sporting teams – the occasionally glorious Queensland Reds rugby, the dysfunctional Washington Redskins, the dodgy Arsenal and especially revels in the world restored to its proper axis with the return of the Ashes to their rightful home.
