D’Arenberg Wild Pixie Shiraz Roussanne 2019

Not many wines on the market that already have seven years under their belt, and far fewer that are available for such a relative pittance. Terrific buying. The blend is 94% Shiraz and 6% Roussanne. The McLaren Vale region enjoyed a particularly hot vintage in 2019, but certain varieties were able to handle it very well. These are two of them. The team employ foot-treading once the fermentation is 2/3rds of the way through. Then basket pressing into old French oak to finish fermentation and for a period of maturation on lees. Deep blood red in colour with a ruby rim, the maturity here is definitely evident. We have notes of toasty oak, smoked meats, warm earth, black fruits, soy, chocolate, licorice, coffee grinds and spices. The style is a little rustic and the wine of medium length, finishing with fine tannins. An ideal gourmet barbecue style which will provide pleasure for the next six to eight years, although is more than ready now.