d'Arenberg Vintage Fortified Shiraz Chambourcin

Notes - A blend of Shiraz 68% and Chambourcin 32% from McLaren Vale. The Shiraz and Chambourcin were co-fermented in the traditional d’Arenberg way of minimal processing and handling with the fruit on its skins in headed-down, open fermenters. Half way through the ferment, after foot treading, the wine was pressed off using our 19th century ‘Coq’ and “Bromley & Tregoning’ presses. After basket pressing, fermentation is stopped by adding a fine, fortifying brandy spirit that is full of character and compliments the fruit flavours. The d’Arenberg Vintage Fortified wine is made from a single vintage, and does not spend any time in wood prior to bottling. The wine has a very deep black appearance with a wonderful crimson deep cherry red hue. Intense aromas of ripe, blackberry fruits, liquorice appear first followed by prune-like notes with deep spicy plum pudding characters. As it opens, deeper blackberry mulberry fruits with anise evolve combined with a lifted (and slightly ‘taily’) brandy spirit which is most appealing. The initial attack of primary fruit flavours, combined with the integrated, unwooded brandy spirit ensure the palate is full-flavoured balanced with very fine, almost tea-like tannins and the dry impact of the spirit. With significant bottle age, ‘The Vintage Fortified’ made with Shiraz gains extraordinary complexity. The intense young colour becomes a lighter, more ruby-red initially, then quite amber. Fruit and brandy spirit integrate further, making way for whiffs of roses, chocolate/walnut, coffee and orange/cumquat peel smells. The palate becomes more balanced and develops further complexity with notes of caramelised figs, dark chocolate, malt, coffee and vanilla mixed with tobacco-like flavours with a finish that’s very soft and delicate.  This is the first time that d'Arenberg have blended their Fortified Shiraz with Chambourcin. Chambourcin ages beautifully and exotically with strength of character and acidity. With time there should be greater emphasis of tannins and a strong rose bush and chicken feather notes (not dissimilar to a bottle aged Barolo) will evolve mixed with traditional characteristics as mentioned above.
 
     

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