D'Arenberg The Old Bloke and the Three Young Blondes Shiraz Rouss Viog Marsanne 2018

The Old Bloke is Shiraz, which merges blissfully with Roussanne, Viognier and Marsanne, three white (blonde) Rhone varieties that d’Arenberg planted in McLaren Vale in the 1990’s. These ‘young blondes’ add fragrance, spice and length to the ‘old bloke’Heavily spiced nose with rich dark plums, blackcurrants and a darker, iodine-like edge. The palate is tightly wound and youthful, with mouth-puckering tannins and a long, drawn-out finish. The flavour profile consists of a complex textural quality with ripe dark plums, blackberries, herbs and roasted beetroot. "... this is powerful expression equipped with some serious tannins, but there’s a relative levity and suppleness, too. Damson, blackberry pastille, dried black cherry, cacao nibs, brown cardamom, cassia, mace and clove..., but all is proportionate and aligned...95pts" (Marcus Ellis, The Halliday Wine Companion).