d’Arenberg The Money Spider Roussanne 2021

We don’t see a lot of varietal Roussanne, which is a shame because of the evidence of this wine, we have the climate and conditions to do it very well, not just in McLaren Vale, from where this wine hails, but across the country. And it does make for an excellent food wine. The wine received its name from its first (attempted) vintage in 2000. When it came time for Chester and his team to harvest the crop, it was covered in tiny money spiders. As they are believed to bring good luck, Chester decided not to test the gods and he left the spiders to the grapes. They are also reputed to be able to spin new clothes for those they deem worthy – perhaps Chester had decided to upgrade his wardrobe (there are almost 5,000 different species of money spiders in the world – who knew?). Anyway, the following year and ever since, the spiders left the grapes to Chester and his team, having moved on without improving Chester’s wardrobe, but the upside is that we have had an excellent Roussanne ever since. 

Again, we have the use of stainless steel basket presses, followed by a long and “moderately cool” fermentation. Only free run juice was used and no malo. Fermentation was in stainless steel, not oak. So much to like about this wine. Deep yellow in colour, the aromas weave their way through almonds, florals, a hint of honeycomb and more. A fine, minerally backing supports this attractive and understated nose. There is some early complexity evident here and a terrific texture, quite layered. Mid length, with good intensity, ripe stonefruit notes emerge on the palate. Drink now or any time over the next three to five years. Really good value.